Nominations are being accepted through Feb. 17 for the 21st Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.
Members of the community are invited to nominate New Jersey residents whose deeds, carried out in the state, make them worthy of the honor. Up to 11 individuals will be recognized for making a significant difference to the well-being of their community through three major monetary awards of $50,000, $35,000 and $25,000, and up to eight runners-up will receive $5,000 each.
Nominees will be reviewed by an advisory board comprised of prominent New Jersey business leaders and professionals who will evaluate nominations submitted by individuals, community groups, houses of worship, educators, representatives of the media and others. Following this evaluation, based on criteria refined by the board, the group will present the awards at a ceremony on May 5 at Ramapo College in Mahwah.
Nomination forms are available at www.ramapo.edu/berrie-awards/.