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.

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.”

Above: Angelica Berrie, Steve Adubato, Peter P. Mercer and Josh Weston with the 2011 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference Winners. Below: from left to right, Josh Weston, Honorary Chairman; Angelica Berrie, President of the Russell Berrie Foundation; The Honorable Cory Booker, Mayor of the City of Newark and Peter P. Mercer, President of Ramapo College.

Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference

2011  Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference
Celebrating Fifteen Years

This year, The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference Celebrated its 15th Anniversary. The ceremony celebration was held on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at Ramapo College. The celebration included a special tribute to past honorees and to the 2011 nominees. The Ramapo Chorale performed the song“Heroes” written by Gilbert Martin and arranged by Lisa Lutter.  A retrospective of past winners was also part of the ceremony and their stories were shared in video form. Please click here to view the video www.workedit.com/mad15years5.wmv

We were delighted to welcome The Honorable Cory Booker, Mayor of the City of Newark as this year’s keynote speaker.   He became Newark’s 36th mayor on July 1, 2006 and was re-elected to a second term on May 11, 2010. He also is a former Newark City Councilman. 

Our 2011 $50,000 winner was Catherine Carisi of Lodi, Catherine began working with disabled children when she was 17.  The experience ignited a passion in her.  With two friends she formed the non-profit organization Camp Acorn in 2001 (www.campacorn.com). It offers a therapeutic and instructional program that develops fine and gross motor skills while building confidence and self-esteem. All activities are adapted to the individual needs of each camper.  Catherine’s mission is to give individuals with special needs experiences they are denied elsewhere.  The camp offers a nine-week summer camp, a Saturday program and monthly dances during the school year.  Catherine has been described as fearless and one who challenges the limited notions people have about what those with special needs can achieve.  For the campers and volunteers of Camp Acorn, she is a teacher, mentor, friend and mother

Hernan  Agudelo of  Union took home the $35,000 award for his heroic efforts when he put himself in dangers way to help two assault victims (click here for story).  This past January, he heard a commotion in his neighbor’s backyard.  He went to investigate and observed an assailant attacking his two female neighbors with a knife and an axe.  Without hesitation Hernan ran to his car and returned with a small baseball bat.  He struck the assailant and was able to stop the vicious attack.  The assailant turned his rage on Hernan, who suffered lacerations to his ear and neck.  His neighbors, who were in critical condition, are still recovering.  The Union police director who nominated Hernan said, “There is no doubt that if Mr. Agudelo did not intervene, this incident would have resulted in a double homicide.”

Jane Geoghegan of Toms River was our $25,000 award winner.  She and her family were nominated for their collective years of service with the Silverton First Aid Squad www.silvertonems.org Three generations, spanning 47 years, have selflessly contributed time and talent, making a meaningful contribution to the community.  Husband Jerry founded the Silverton First Aid Squad in 1964 and served as president until his recent death. Jane, a retired nurse and paramedic, serves as captain of the squad. Silverton’s current president said that Jane averages hundreds of responses each year and can be found at the first aid building almost seven days a week.  Last year, the Township of Toms River passed a resolution thanking Jane for her outstanding humanitarian efforts.

The keynote speaker was Newark’s Mayor, Cory Booker.Corey spoke eloquently about those who selflessly serve their community and, like a star that shines from light-years away, small acts of kindness can reverberate through a community for generations.

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.

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

Please click here to read more about the 2011 Making a Difference Awards on North Jersey.com.