The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference is seeking nominations. The deadline is Feb. 21. The awards will be presented in May at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah.
The program was established in 1997 by the late Russ Berrie, who was the founder, chairman and CEO of Russ Berrie and Co. Inc., and Ramapo College of New Jersey. It recognizes "unsung heroes" from throughout the state who have made a significant difference to the well-being of their community and for whom the award would make a significant difference in their own lives.
Up to 19 unsung heroes will be recognized. The Russell Berrie Foundation — named the 2001 Outstanding Foundation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, New Jersey Chapter — will provide monetary awards of up to $50,000, $35,000 and $25,000, as well as runner-up grants of $2,500 each.
Last year’s top honorees included the late James Heenan of Westville, a firefighter who died of burns sustained in rescuing residents from a New Year’s Eve house fire; Susan Nobleman of Green Village, who launched a prevention program that motivates New Jersey’s middle and high school students to make a positive difference in their schools and communities; and Dr. Anna Sweany of Middletown, who founded a free medical clinic in Neptune.
For more information or to nominate someone, contact: The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference, c/o Dr. Rodney D. Smith, President, Ramapo College of New Jersey, 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah 07430; or call (201) 684-7910. Nomination forms are also available on the Internet at www.russberrie.com, or www.ramapo.edu.
Russ Berrie and Co. Inc., founded in 1963, is based in Oakland, Bergen County.
The company designs, manufactures and distributes seasonal and everyday gift products to retailers worldwide.