Know a Hero? Ramapo College Seeks Nominations for Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference

Mahwah’s Ramapo College is accepting nominations through Feb. 20 for the 2015 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference.

New Jerseyans who have made a significant difference in their communities through a lifetime of service or a single heroic act are eligible for cash awards of up to $50,000. Members of the community are invited to nominate New Jersey residents whose deeds, carried out in the state, make them worthy of recognition. The Russell Berrie Foundation sponsors the program.

Established in 1996 by the late Russell Berrie, founder of Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. and the Russell Berrie Foundation, and Ramapo College of New Jersey, the awards honor “unsung heroes” statewide. Up to 11 individuals will be recognized for making a significant difference to the well-being of their community during the annual spring award ceremony at Ramapo College in Mahwah. The Russell Berrie Foundation will provide monetary awards of up to $50,000 and up to eight runner-up grants of $5,000 each.

“Through this award, we honor the contributions of people who don’t seek recognition for what they do, yet generously give of themselves to make the world a better place,” said Angelica Berrie of Englewood, president of The Russell Berrie Foundation.

Nominees will be reviewed by an Advisory Board, which is co-chaired by Josh S. Weston, honorary chairman, Automatic Data Processing, Inc., and Dr. Peter P. Mercer, president of Ramapo College of New Jersey. The Board, comprised of prominent New Jersey business leaders and professionals, 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 1.

Last year, the top honorees included a nurse practitioner who established a family clinic that has provided more than 3,000 patients with primary care services, immunizations and pediatric, ophthalmology and dermatological services; a woman who founded a 12-bed program for homeless pregnant women, mothers and children; and a businessman who, with the support of two churches, runs a full-time facility that has provided more than 53,000 meals for local residents who are in need.

Bill Strickland, president and chief executive officer of Manchester Bidwell Corporation and its subsidiaries, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and Bidwell Training Center, is the keynote speaker. Strickland envisioned a template for social change and formed relationships with businesses, government officials and individuals who shared his vision. Today, Manchester Bidwell Corporation has evolved into a national model for education, culture and hope.

For more information on The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference or to nominate someone, contact:

The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference
c/o Office of the President
Ramapo College of New Jersey
505 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
Phone: 201.684.7179

Nomination forms are also available on the Internet http://www.ramapo.edu/berrie-awards/. The deadline for entries is Feb. 20.