The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference

Honoring New Jersey’s Unsung Heroes

The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference celebrates New Jersey’s unsung heroes—everyday people whose extraordinary volunteer efforts have made a real difference in the lives of others. Created in 1997, the annual award program honors nineteen individuals who have performed outstanding community service or an act of heroism. A selection committee comprised of New Jersey business leaders and professionals chooses the unsung heroes from a pool of several hundred nominees and awards the top three with cash prizes of $50,000, $35,000 and $25,000. Eight other finalists are distinguished with cash prizes of $5,000.

"Russ wanted to create an award specifically for unsung heroes—people who really make a difference by dedicating their lives to improving life or helping others," said Russell Berrie Foundation President Angelica Berrie.

(From left to right): The Honorable Thomas Kean, Chip Paillex, Natasha Rodgers, Angelica Berrie, Joan Schaefer, and Dr. Peter Mercer, President of Ramapo College   Photo by Carolyn Herring

The first recipients of the award included Richard and Maureen Kanka of Hamilton, N.J., parents of Megan and creators of “Megan’s Law.” Thanks to the foundation they created, all 50 states have enacted a "Megan's Law.”

2010 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Diference

The 14th Annual Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference was held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at Ramapo College. The Honorable Thomas Kean, former New Jersey State Governor, was the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

The $50,000 winner in 2010 was Chip Paillex of Pittstown. After seeing a plea from the Flemington Food Pantry asking gardeners to bring excess produce to the pantry to feed those in need, Paillex started Grow-a-Row (http://americasgrowarow.com/), an organization based in Hunterdon County that grows fresh produce to feed the hungry.  The organization began in 2002 with the help of Chip’s then 4-year-old daughter.  Amazingly, the first season netted 120 pounds of food that was given to the pantry.  In 2005, the organization cultivated 14,000 pounds of produce that was delivered to various food pantries around the county.  The program continues to grow by leaps and bounds each year- from 27,000 pounds in 2006 and 110,000 pounds in 2007 to 225,000 pounds in 2008!  Last year, Grow-a-Row donated 317,000 pounds of produce throughout New Jersey with the help of more than 900 volunteers, many from Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, whose members gave more than 5,000 hours of help.

Natasha Rodgers of Somerset took home the $35,000 award for her tireless efforts and work with the Simuel Whitfield Simmons organization (http://www.swsorganization.com/rodgers.html), a non-profit honoring her grandfather.  The organization continues the legacy of a minister who believed that it takes a village to strengthen a family.  The mission of the organization is to help families become more self sufficient by supporting them with a consistent life support system.  During the past 10 years, without collecting a salary, Natasha has conducted clothing, food and furniture drives and created a youth mentorship program.  Her approach has been to help less fortunate members of the community know that every dream can be realized through hard work and determination. Natasha believes strongly in empowering youth and adults and allowing them to follow their dreams and develop their talents. 

The $25,000 award went to Joan Schaefer of Bergenfield.  In 1959, she realized there was a need for a girls’ sports league in Northern New Jersey.  Determined to create one, she contacted 20 towns to assess an interest.  Six responded and the United Girls Athletic League Suburbia, UGALS (http://www.eteamz.com/UGALS/), was born.  UGALS began as a basketball and softball program for girls 10 through 17.  Schaefer has overseen the league’s growth and there are now 82 town-based teams from 37 towns in Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties.  The organization sponsors summer, fall and spring leagues and hosts an annual invitational tournament.  At a mere 95 years young, Schaefer has been the only and one UGALS’ President for over 50 years and still manages to attend many of the organizations games and activities. 

Please click here to view all of the 2010 winners.

The keynote speaker was Thomas Kean, former New Jersey State Governor.  Kean spoke passionately about the tireless efforts that each award winner has made to their local New Jersey community.  Inspired and humbled, he thanked all of the winners for giving back and making a difference in the lives of others. 

The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference is presented each year in partnership with Ramapo College of New Jersey, the state's leading public liberal arts college.

As heard on WNYC 93.9 FM

The following Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award sound clip recently aired on National Public Radio- WNYC.

Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference is Highlighted in NJ Press

Please click here to read more about the 2010 Making a Difference Awards on North Jersey.com.

The following article was published in the February 25, 2010 issue of the Star Ledger.

Please click here for more information on the nomination process and to read about past Russ Berrie Award winners. To read the January 27, 2010 press release from Ramapo College, please click here.