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. Over a dozen other finalists are distinguished with cash prizes of $2,500.

"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.

Russ Berrie with awardee Paul Burns, who was honored for helping the homeless

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.”

In 2003, an award went to Roberta Vickery of Pine Beach, who is a retired physical therapist, blind from birth. She founded the Ocean County Volunteers for the Blind in 1968 to provide taped and brailed material to visually impaired and legally blind clients throughout New Jersey and nearby states at no cost.

The top winner in 2005 was Joann Tyler of Mine Hill. Tyler was honored for her selfless dedication to community, which she demonstrates as a mother to more than 30 adopted and foster children and as co-founder of Missionaries of God homeless shelter.

The award is presented each year in partnership with Ramapo College of New Jersey, the state's leading public liberal arts college.

http://www.ramapo.edu/news/specialevents/berrieawards/index.html