On Friday, May 5, 11 visionary leaders from all across New Jersey were recognized as 2023 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees. These heroes work tirelessly to tackle issues ranging from criminal justice reform and violence prevention to food insecurity and environmental sustainability in our communities. Watch the video and hear their voices at https://vimeo.com/823324723.
Vice President Scott Berrie offered remarks at the Making a Difference Award ceremony that reflect how Russ Berrie’s vision, passion, and spirit infuses the work of the Foundation and its grantees every day.
We share Vice President Scott Berrie’s remarks from the event (edited lightly) to remind us that Russ’s vision, passion, and spirit infuses the work of the Foundation and its grantees every day. We’re proud to carry on Russ’s legacy through these awards and the work that all of our grantees do to create greater opportunity and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in New Jersey, Israel, and around the world.
(l-r) Ramapo College President Dr. Cindy Jebb, Honoree Melissa Walker, and Scott Berrie
“Our community heroes are like seeds that, once planted, grow into a lush forest of positive change, providing shelter and nourishment for those in need. It is a tremendous honor to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our unsung heroes, those who have taken the lead in addressing pressing issues and uplifting their communities. My father, Russell Berrie, a compassionate and visionary man, was inspired by these extraordinary efforts and established the Making a Difference Awards in 1997 to recognize and honor these changemakers across his beloved state of New Jersey.
My father was not only the founder of the Making a Difference Awards, but also a successful entrepreneur, a deeply committed philanthropist and my closest confidant and friend. As the chief executive and chairman of Russ, he turned a business that began in a rented garage in 1963 into one of the world's largest gift companies. Known for his generosity, he channeled most of his wealth into The Russell Berrie Foundation after his death in 2002.
In recognition of his profound generosity, in 1998 Fortune Magazine named him one of the 40 Most Generous Americans. He was ranked 34th on the list, only 19 spots behind Paul Allen and 31 spots behind Bill Gates. But if Fortune had measured the ratio of his wealth to his philanthropic giving, I bet he would've topped the list. This acknowledgement serves to underscore his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others. And knowing what a competitive man my father was, I’m sure he would have taken this as a challenge to give even more!
In addition to his remarkable business acumen and philanthropic spirit, my father was warm and engaging and touched the lives of everyone he met. He had a wonderful, mischievous sense of humor that brought joy to those around him, and a deep love for the underdog, which fueled his desire to make a difference in the lives of the community where he lived. His legacy extends beyond his tangible achievements; it lives on in the laughter, compassion, and hope he inspired in others.
Over the years, we have been truly blessed to commemorate his vision and spirit by celebrating more than 400 incredible individuals, representing every county in New Jersey. Their selflessness, resourcefulness, and the diversity of their backgrounds and endeavors have improved the lives of countless people in need throughout the state. My father passionately believed that one person's actions to better the lives of others could inspire people to take similar action, and I share this belief.
My stepmother, Angelica Berrie, the President of The Russell Berrie Foundation, refers to our Making a Difference awardees as a “force field of goodness all around New Jersey.” Collectively, they have created a network of positive change that goes far beyond their individual accomplishments, much like a thriving forest originating from a handful of seedlings.
This year's honorees have made a significant impact in their communities through their remarkable accomplishments, demonstrating the power of resilience, dedication, and passion for positive change. Each of their stories is unique, compelling, and inspiring. These honorees reflect the rich diversity of New Jersey. They come from the largest cities and the smallest towns, from south to north. They’ve had varied life experiences, and range in age from high school student to retirement. Together, these honorees show us that it's never too early — or too late — to take action and create a lasting impact on the world around us.
As the great Mahatma Gandhi once said, "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." The hundreds of nominations we received this year, each representing a leader making a tremendous impact in their community, truly embody this spirit of service. No action is too small when it comes to giving back, and that is the power of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards — the ability to inspire change and transform New Jersey for the better.
In these challenging times, the power of the individual to create meaningful change cannot be understated. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of this year's exceptional honorees. May this recognition not only amplify their remarkable efforts but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps and continue to transform lives throughout New Jersey. Thank you all for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to making a difference. Your resilience and determination serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of the individual to bring about change.”