Haley Rae Reimbold of Roosevelt was among the "unsung heroes" recently honored for making a difference in her community.
At an awards ceremony held in May at Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah, Reimbold received the top honor of three major awards presented by the Russell Berrie Foundation. The recipient of the Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference, Reimbold took home a cash award of $50,000. The remaining two finalists received cash awards of $35,000 and $25,000, and 16 other finalists won cash grants of $2,500 each. Winners were chosen from among 200 entries considered by the foundation’s advisory board, a selection committee made up of eminent New Jersey business leaders and professionals.
Created in 1997 by the late philanthropist and businessman Russ Berrie, the award recognizes "unusual heroism and community service by New Jersey citizens," according to the foundation’s pamphlet about the award.
"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 his widow, Angelica Berrie, who shared her husband’s passion for giving and now leads the Russell Berrie Foundation’s efforts to realize his philanthropic vision.
Reimbold, whose family lives on Lake Drive, recently completed her sophomore year at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. She began her volunteer work while still in high school, combining academic achievement with service to the community. During her junior year of high school, she became vice president of the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey Youth Council. As the youth council’s president during her senior year, Reimbold developed programs to teach children about disasters and also implemented a plan to collect nonperishable food items for senior citizens.
As a college student, she has been serving meals at shelters and soup kitchens, and as the director of Hamilton Action Volunteer Outreach Coalition (HAVOC) — the student organization that helps the local community — she takes part as well in other events for homeless and needy families.
In addition, Reimbold leads the Red Cross Campus Club, volunteers at a local day care center and tutor/mentors children in the Utica, N.Y., area. While juggling these responsibilities, she also maintains dean’s list honors.