MAHWAH – Nominations are now being accepted through Feb. 16, for the 22nd Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award. New Jerseyans who have made a significant difference in their communities through a lifetime of service or a single heroic act are eligible for cash awards of up to $50,000.
Members of the community are invited to nominate New Jersey residents whose deeds, carried out in the state, make them worthy of the honor. The Russell Berrie Foundation sponsors the program.
Established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie, founder of Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. and the Russell Berrie Foundation, and Ramapo College of New Jersey, the awards honor “unsung heroes” statewide. Up to 11 individuals will be recognized for making a significant difference to the well-being of their community during the annual spring award ceremony at Ramapo College in Mahwah. Three major monetary awards of $50,000, $35,000 and $25,000 will be presented, and up to eight additional awards of $5,000 each.
“Through this award, we honor the contributions of people who don’t seek recognition for what they do, yet generously give of themselves to make New Jersey a better place,” stated Angelica Berrie, president of The Russell Berrie Foundation, in a release.
Nominees will be reviewed by an Advisory Board, which is co-chaired by Josh S. Weston, honorary chairman, Automatic Data Processing, Inc., and Dr. Peter P. Mercer, president of Ramapo College of New Jersey. The Board, comprised of prominent New Jersey business and nonprofit leaders, will evaluate nominations submitted by individuals, community groups, houses of worship, educators, representatives of the media and others. Following this evaluation, based on criteria refined by the Board, the group will present the awards at a ceremony May 4.
More honoree stories from 21 years are available online at berrieawards.ramapo.edu.
Nomination forms are also available online at berrieawards.ramapo.edu. Deadline for entries is Feb. 16. Nominations and/or inquiries may also be sent to madaawards@ramapo.edu.
For more information on The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award or to nominate someone, please contact The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award c/o Office of the President Ramapo College of New Jersey 505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, New Jersey 07430, call 201-684-7458, or email madaawards@ramapo.edu.
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