As communities across New Jersey and the country faced an array of challenges caused or exacerbated by the pandemic, unsung heroes stepped up to help feed, comfort, educate, protect and otherwise provide critical support to their neighbors.
On Friday, May 7, at a virtual ceremony starting at 11:30 a.m., The Russell Berrie Foundation will recognize 24 remarkable individuals from across the Garden State, during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.
The late entrepreneur Russell Berrie created the award a quarter-century ago to honor New Jersey’s unsung heroes and, in telling their stories, inspire others to step up in similar ways. Winners receive cash prizes of up to $50,000 and well-deserved public recognition. Over the years, The Russell Berrie Foundation has given $3.75 million to 380 honorees, each of whom has an inspiring story to tell about how they made a difference in the lives of others.
“As challenging as 2020 was for so many of us, these selfless individuals answered their communities’ call for help,” said Angelica Berrie, President of The Russell Berrie Foundation. “From activists fighting injustice and systemic inequities to neighbors helping neighbors struggling during the pandemic, it’s an honor to celebrate this remarkable group of individuals as part of our 25th anniversary celebration of the awards and Russ’ legacy.”
This year’s honorees were selected by the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Advisory Board, from a pool of more than 330 nominations submitted in 2020 and 2021. The 2021 honorees are:
Dionisio Cucuta, Jr., aka “Chef Dion,” a military veteran from Teaneck and this year’s $50,000 winner, is described as an irreplaceable asset to his community. Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic created devastating food insecurity for many vulnerable residents in Bergen County, Chef Dion jumped into action. Drawing on his culinary background, he created Hot Wheels, a volunteer-based food distribution program that has provided more than 250,000 meals since March 2020. Chef Dion has also been a long-time mentor to young people through the Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Program and Englewood’s Culinary Cadets program.
Kim Gaddy of Newark has spent more than 20 years on the frontlines fighting for environmental justice in New Jersey communities of color. This work started in her own South Ward neighborhood, where she raised her three children, who suffered from chronic asthma. That personal experience, and losing her brother-in-law to a fatal asthma attack, compelled her to be a voice for communities impacted by industrial pollution. After a decade of tenacious advocacy by Kim and other environmental leaders, New Jersey now has the strongest environmental justice legislation in the nation. In recognition of her steadfast leadership, she is the recipient of a $25,000 award.
Anthony Capuano of Jersey City was in the right place at the right time. As a lifeguard and swim instructor, Anthony knew he couldn’t stand on the sidelines as he saw a car sinking in the Newark Bay with the driver trapped inside. The cold November water or even his prosthetic leg didn’t stop Anthony from jumping into the water to save the driver—who, as it turned out, could not swim. Anthony’s quick thinking, bravery and lifesaving action earned him a $25,000 award.
Maria Torres of Newark became the manager of United Community Corporation’s Champion House food pantry just weeks before the onset of COVID-19. Recently diagnosed with Lupus, she was at extremely high risk, yet never wavered in her commitment to the community. As lockdowns and unemployment led to a huge rise in food insecurity, the pantry served 150,000 people in 2020—an increase of more than 1,000 percent over prior years. Maria will receive a $25,000 award for her dedicated service.
Sister Frances Salemi of Jersey City has improved others’ lives for decades, and the students she has helped number in the thousands. On December 10, 2019, she and her staff saved the lives of their students as two attackers ambushed a grocery store across the street from Sacred Heart School, where she serves as principal. In the hours-long shootout with police that ensued, four people were killed, and the school was riddled with bullets. Sister Frances is the recipient of a $25,000 award.
The following honorees will receive $7,500 awards:
Donna York of Hillsborough is the founder of HARK ALS, which provides financial and emotional support to families affected by ALS. York’s daily acts of heroism exemplify commitment, courage and leadership to the ALS community.
Paul Nickels of Hackensack is the creator of the Homeless Resource Guide and an advocate for the homeless. Pulling from his own experiences, Paul provides a voice for those who have been silenced by their struggles.
Larry Abrams of Cherry Hill is the founder of BookSmiles. Larry is a champion of literacy who works to combat “book deserts” in South Jersey, ensuring that underserved children have access to personal libraries at home so they can develop good literacy skills.
Sheryl Olitzky of North Brunswick is the founding director of Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, whose mission is to build trust, respect and relationships between Muslim and Jewish women and teenage girls. There are now 175+ chapters in the U.S., Canada and select European cities.
Rosa Zaremba of South Plainfield is the founder of the Mexican Alliance of New Jersey, which helps young people in Latinx communities explore college and career options by connecting them with mentors and learning opportunities.
Phil Stafford of Wallington is the founder of the N.J. Food and Clothing Rescue. Grit and heart have fueled Phil’s volunteer efforts, before and during COVID-19, to secure and redistribute food to vulnerable individuals at risk of falling through the cracks.
Paul Winslow of East Hanover is the founder of Students 2 Science, which brings together the public and private sectors to change the life trajectory of students from underserved communities—through STEM education with real-world applications and real-world solutions.
Kieran Foley, Joseph Dietrich, Drew Scalice, Ryan Day and Tyler Armagan, of Middletown, are affectionally known as “The Rescuers.” These teens created a human chain to save two small children whose sled entered an icy pond on a cold December day.
Emma and Quinn Joy of South Orange are the founders of Girls Helping Girls. Period.—an organization that addresses “period poverty,” one of the most-overlooked and under-discussed issues facing low-income women today. Emma and Quinn embody the spirit of making a difference, while advocating and educating others to erase the stigma surrounding menstrual health.
Amanda Ebokosia of Newark is the founder of The Gem Project, which educates young people about critical issues affecting their communities. Through activism and service-learning, youth strengthen skills of leadership and community organizing.
Wilhelmina Holder of Newark is President of the Newark Secondary Parents Council. Decades after having children in the public education system, she continues to advocate for equity and opportunity for young people in the Newark Public Schools.
Sharron Miller of Montclair is the founder of Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts. For over 25 years, Sharon has expanded arts education access for thousands of underserved N.J. young people—primarily children of color.
Jerzy “Jerry” Maziarz of Elizabeth exemplifies exceptional volunteerism and compassion for those in need, making him an asset to the community. As a volunteer with St. Joseph Social Service Center for over 19 years, Jerry chooses to make a difference every day.
Lynn Regan of Farmingdale founded the CFC Loud N Clear Foundation after witnessing a loved one’s agonizing struggle with addiction. She created a successful relapse prevention model that has helped thousands of young people achieve long-term sober living.
To learn more about each of the 2021 honorees and to register for the virtual celebration, please visit www.ramapo.edu/berrie-awards/.