Do You Know an Unsung LEADER LOCAL HERO? MOTIVATOR€¦ · Russell Berrie was the chairman and CEO of Russ Berrie & Company, a New Jersey company which he started in a tiny rented

Since 1997, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award

has honored 366 individuals whose extraordinary service

to others has made New Jersey a better place.

We call them Unsung New Jersey Heroes.

They are the people who --

Help others in need

Solve problems and transform neighborhoods

Bring hope to those who feel forgotten

Stand up for the rights of others

Create opportunities for young people to succeed

Protect the environment

DifferenceAward

Making a DifferenceAward

Making a

It’s time to nominate your own NJ Hero for 2020!

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Nominate your Unsung New Jersey Heroes for the 2020 Making a Difference Award!Each year, people from all over the state nominate hundreds of

“Unsung Heroes” for this prestigious award. An Advisory Board of New Jersey business and community leaders evaluates

the nominations and recommends individuals for the award.

In 2020, up to 10 awards will be given: A top award of $50,000; two $25,000 awards; and seven awards of $7,500.

Two ways to nominate your Unsung NJ Heroes

Nominate ONLINE at berrieawards.ramapo.edu

Use the enclosed form to submit a nomination by mail, email, or fax.

Questions?Call us at 201-684-7458 or email madaawards.ramapo.edu for more information.

All nominations must be submitted or postmarked by February 21, 2020.

Melina GarciaUnion CityUnion City Music Program2019 Honoree

Do You Know an Unsung LOCAL HERO?

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Jack FanousNewarkGI Go Fund2013 Honoree

Tawanda JonesCamdenCamden Sophisticated Sisters2014 Honoree






Help others in need






DifferenceAward


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Questions?Call us at 201-684-7458 or email madaawards.ramapo.edu for more information.




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Questions?Call us at 201-684-7458 or email [email protected] for more information.




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Gilman ChoudhuryPatersonJFK High School – Robotics Team Mentor2017 honoree

Gilman has been giving back to his hometown of Paterson all his adult life. He mentored students at his alma mater John F. Kennedy High School through his college days and service with the US Army Reserve. On weekday afternoons, you can find him at the school’s College Ready program, mentoring the robotics team, and preparing students for SATs and the college application process. His dedication is helping Paterson students reach new heights of success.

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OR Fraidy Reiss

Union CountyUnchained at Last2019 Honoree

As a teenager, Fraidy experienced the horror of forced marriage. Now, she fights to save other women and children across the United States from the same fate. In 2011, she founded Unchained at Last, the only organization dedicated to ending forced and child marriage in every U.S. state and at the federal level. Unchained at Last provides crucial legal and social services -- always for free -- to help women, girls and others escape arranged or forced marriages and start new lives.

Russ and Angelica Berrie2019 Bridget Cutler, North PlainfieldMichael Doliszny, Ocean CityKatherine Evans, NewtonPatrick Finn, SewellMelina Garcia, Union CitySuzann Goldstein, Warren Alexa Grabelle, VoorheesKaren Monroy, PhD, Flemington Fraidy Reiss, Union County Thomas von Oehsen, Trenton

2018Edrick Alleyne, EatontownRev. Mildred Farrar, PatersonMelissa Gertz, RingoesEileen Goff, Fort LeeToba Grossbaum, LivingstonA’Dorian Murray-Thomas, NewarkJodi O’Donnell-Ames, TitusvilleDon Quigley, ManalapanBenigno Rodriquez, CamdenEthan Sandlofer, Upper Saddle RiverCarla Scarabino, Monmouth Beach

2017Brenda Antinore, CamdenKurt and Tricia Baker, PlainsboroJoseph Brown, GallowayMarlene Ceragno, Fort LeeGilman Choudhury, PatersonKatelyn Darrow, PitmanDanielle Gletow, EwingLorna Henkel, SecaucusKiersten Miles, Sea GirtBonnie O’Brien, ParamusCharles Valentine, North Arlington

Honorees (2014-2019)

For a comprehensive list of all honorees since 1997, please visit our website at berrieawards.ramapo.edu

2016Ziad Ahmed, Princeton Betty Prezzy Bryant, HillsideJane and Joseph Clementi, RidgewoodLisa Gladwell, River EdgeSeth Grumet, MarlboroAdam Lowy, Asbury ParkVincent Mann, West MilfordConnie Mercer, LawrencevilleJulia Quinlan, NewtonDanny Walls, Elmwood ParkFaye Zealand, Howell

2015Paige Alenick, Woodcliff LakeDora Arias, Mountainside Anthony Bevivino, VillasEvangelia “Poppy” Davis, Cherry Hill Linda Gillick, Toms River Eileen Griffith, ChesterTom Cash, Short HillsDominique Lee, NewarkAnne Ciavaglia McMahon, Hasbrouck HeightsBrian Meersma, Princeton Junction

2014Joseph Abate III, North Caldwell Joseph Blythe, Hasbrouck Heights Edith Coogan, Cranford Patricia and Raymond Dansen, North Haledon Keely Freeman, East Orange Lisa Goldman, Clifton and Rita Yohalem, West Orange Zamir Hassan, BedminsterJoyce Jenkins, Marlboro Tawanda Jones, Camden William Smith, FairviewDr. Brian Ullman, DDS, Ho-Ho-Kus

Read about our past honorees and nominate your own NJ Hero at berrieawards.ramapo.edu

BerrieAwardNJ

The Russell Berrie FoundationRussell Berrie was the chairman and CEO of Russ Berrie & Company, a New Jersey company which he started in a tiny rented garage in 1963. Known throughout the world by its nickname – RUSS – this small company grew into a $300 million business that revolutionized the way gifts and greeting cards are sold worldwide.

Mr. Berrie devoted endless time, energy and resources to numerous charitable causes through the Russell Berrie Foundation, created in 1985. As a philanthropist, he supported hundreds of organizations and fostered initiatives that express his values, passions and vision in the areas of diabetes, humanism in medicine, Jewish continuity, salesmanship as a profession, arts and culture, and strengthening communities in northern New Jersey.

In 1997, he partnered with Ramapo College of New Jersey to launch the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards to celebrate everyday people who make a significant difference in the lives of others. The Russell Berrie Foundation has continued his legacy of generosity by recognizing 366 “Unsung New Jersey Heroes” with the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.

For more about the Russell Berrie Foundation, visit www.russellberriefoundation.org

“Nothing is more important in life than helping a fellow human being.” – Russ Berrie (1933-2002)

Ramapo College of New JerseyRamapo College of New Jersey, established in 1969, is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The College is ranked #1 among New Jersey public institutions by College Choice, and is recognized as a top college by U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger’s, Princeton Review and Money magazine, among others.

Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Educational Technology, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education.

Visit www.ramapo.edu and www.ramapo.edu/foundation to learn more.Unless specified, photos by Sam Antoshak ‘19 or Ramapo College staff.

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Dr. Karen MonroyFlemingtonAbility2Work & Grateful Bites2019 Honoree

Karen wanted a bright future for her son and other young people with autism. In 2013, she founded Abilty2Work, a nonprofit that provides inclusive and supportive employment opportunities to help differently-abled young people succeed. Karen’s vision led to the creation of Grateful Bites, an award-winning café and bakery in Flemington where differently-abled young people work alongside chefs and volunteers, mastering culinary and hospitality skills in an environment that supports their cognitive and social development. V

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RY


When Melina moved to Union City, she found few arts programs for children in the community. She was familiar with “El Sistema” – an orchestral music program for children in her homeland of Venezuela. In 2012, Melina established Union City Music Program, based on El Sistema, bringing orchestral music education to Hudson County’s children. Students receive instruments and 25 hours of instruction each month at very low cost, perform with leading conductors, and attend world class concerts. C

HA

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Gilman ChoudhuryPatersonJFK High School – Robotics Team Mentor2017 honoree

Gilman has been giving back to his hometown of Paterson all his adult life. He mentored students at his alma mater John F. Kennedy High School through his college days and service with the US Army Reserve. On weekday afternoons, you can find him at the school’s College Ready program, mentoring the robotics team, and preparing students for SATs and the college application process. His dedication is helping Paterson students reach new heights of success.

ME

NT

OR Fraidy Reiss

Union CountyUnchained at Last2019 Honoree

As a teenager, Fraidy experienced the horror of forced marriage. Now, she fights to save other women and children across the United States from the same fate. In 2011, she founded Unchained at Last, the only organization dedicated to ending forced and child marriage in every U.S. state and at the federal level. Unchained at Last provides crucial legal and social services -- always for free -- to help women, girls and others escape arranged or forced marriages and start new lives.

Russ and Angelica Berrie2019 Bridget Cutler, North PlainfieldMichael Doliszny, Ocean CityKatherine Evans, NewtonPatrick Finn, SewellMelina Garcia, Union CitySuzann Goldstein, Warren Alexa Grabelle, VoorheesKaren Monroy, PhD, Flemington Fraidy Reiss, Union County Thomas von Oehsen, Trenton

2018Edrick Alleyne, EatontownRev. Mildred Farrar, PatersonMelissa Gertz, RingoesEileen Goff, Fort LeeToba Grossbaum, LivingstonA’Dorian Murray-Thomas, NewarkJodi O’Donnell-Ames, TitusvilleDon Quigley, ManalapanBenigno Rodriquez, CamdenEthan Sandlofer, Upper Saddle RiverCarla Scarabino, Monmouth Beach

2017Brenda Antinore, CamdenKurt and Tricia Baker, PlainsboroJoseph Brown, GallowayMarlene Ceragno, Fort LeeGilman Choudhury, PatersonKatelyn Darrow, PitmanDanielle Gletow, EwingLorna Henkel, SecaucusKiersten Miles, Sea GirtBonnie O’Brien, ParamusCharles Valentine, North Arlington

Honorees (2014-2019)

For a comprehensive list of all honorees since 1997, please visit our website at berrieawards.ramapo.edu

2016Ziad Ahmed, Princeton Betty Prezzy Bryant, HillsideJane and Joseph Clementi, RidgewoodLisa Gladwell, River EdgeSeth Grumet, MarlboroAdam Lowy, Asbury ParkVincent Mann, West MilfordConnie Mercer, LawrencevilleJulia Quinlan, NewtonDanny Walls, Elmwood ParkFaye Zealand, Howell

2015Paige Alenick, Woodcliff LakeDora Arias, Mountainside Anthony Bevivino, VillasEvangelia “Poppy” Davis, Cherry Hill Linda Gillick, Toms River Eileen Griffith, ChesterTom Cash, Short HillsDominique Lee, NewarkAnne Ciavaglia McMahon, Hasbrouck HeightsBrian Meersma, Princeton Junction

2014Joseph Abate III, North Caldwell Joseph Blythe, Hasbrouck Heights Edith Coogan, Cranford Patricia and Raymond Dansen, North Haledon Keely Freeman, East Orange Lisa Goldman, Clifton and Rita Yohalem, West Orange Zamir Hassan, BedminsterJoyce Jenkins, Marlboro Tawanda Jones, Camden William Smith, FairviewDr. Brian Ullman, DDS, Ho-Ho-Kus

Read about our past honorees and nominate your own NJ Hero at berrieawards.ramapo.edu

BerrieAwardNJ

The Russell Berrie FoundationRussell Berrie was the chairman and CEO of Russ Berrie & Company, a New Jersey company which he started in a tiny rented garage in 1963. Known throughout the world by its nickname – RUSS – this small company grew into a $300 million business that revolutionized the way gifts and greeting cards are sold worldwide.

Mr. Berrie devoted endless time, energy and resources to numerous charitable causes through the Russell Berrie Foundation, created in 1985. As a philanthropist, he supported hundreds of organizations and fostered initiatives that express his values, passions and vision in the areas of diabetes, humanism in medicine, Jewish continuity, salesmanship as a profession, arts and culture, and strengthening communities in northern New Jersey.

In 1997, he partnered with Ramapo College of New Jersey to launch the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards to celebrate everyday people who make a significant difference in the lives of others. The Russell Berrie Foundation has continued his legacy of generosity by recognizing 366 “Unsung New Jersey Heroes” with the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.

For more about the Russell Berrie Foundation, visit www.russellberriefoundation.org

“Nothing is more important in life than helping a fellow human being.” – Russ Berrie (1933-2002)

Ramapo College of New JerseyRamapo College of New Jersey, established in 1969, is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The College is ranked #1 among New Jersey public institutions by College Choice, and is recognized as a top college by U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger’s, Princeton Review and Money magazine, among others.

Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Educational Technology, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education.

Visit www.ramapo.edu and www.ramapo.edu/foundation to learn more.Unless specified, photos by Sam Antoshak ‘19 or Ramapo College staff.

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Dr. Karen MonroyFlemingtonAbility2Work & Grateful Bites2019 Honoree

Karen wanted a bright future for her son and other young people with autism. In 2013, she founded Abilty2Work, a nonprofit that provides inclusive and supportive employment opportunities to help differently-abled young people succeed. Karen’s vision led to the creation of Grateful Bites, an award-winning café and bakery in Flemington where differently-abled young people work alongside chefs and volunteers, mastering culinary and hospitality skills in an environment that supports their cognitive and social development. V

ISIO

NA

RY


When Melina moved to Union City, she found few arts programs for children in the community. She was familiar with “El Sistema” – an orchestral music program for children in her homeland of Venezuela. In 2012, Melina established Union City Music Program, based on El Sistema, bringing orchestral music education to Hudson County’s children. Students receive instruments and 25 hours of instruction each month at very low cost, perform with leading conductors, and attend world class concerts. C

HA

MP

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DifferenceAward

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RDear Community Leader,The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honors those who make New Jersey a better place.

In 2020, we will celebrate the 24th anniversary of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award and the hundreds of heroes who have made a lasting impact in communities around the state.

Please help us celebrate a new group of honorees in 2020 by nominating “unsung heroes” in your community. You may nominate someone for a single act of heroism or for a lifetime of service. An Advisory Board of prominent New Jersey citizens will recommend honorees and they will be recognized at a ceremony on May 8, 2020 at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Up to 10 individuals can be honored, with a top award of $50,000, two awards of $25,000, and seven awards of $7,500.

Visit our website at berrieawards.ramapo.edu to learn more, read about past honorees, and complete an online nomination. You may also use the enclosed form to submit a nomination.

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or 201-684-7458.

All nominations must be postmarked or submitted online by February 21, 2020.

Thank you for helping us identify deserving NJ heroes to honor with the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.

Michael Doliszny with Angelica Berrie

Michael DolisznyOcean CityVeterans Computer Training Program 2019 Honoree

Angelica Berrie Peter P. Mercer Josh WestonPresident President Honorary ChairmanRussell Berrie Ramapo College Automatic Data Foundation of New Jersey Processing, Inc. Co-Chair, Co-Chair, Advisory Board Advisory Board

For more information visit berrieawards.ramapo.edu

How are nominations evaluated?An Advisory Board of community and business leaders from around the state review and recommend nominations.

The Advisory Board considers the following when evaluating nominees:

• What has the individual accomplished?

• Why is their work important?

• How many people have been helped?

• How far-reaching is the impact? Does it go beyond a single community or group of people to have statewide or nationwide impact?

• Is the person a volunteer, or paid? If paid, are the efforts above and beyond their paid job?

• Will receiving the award make a significant difference in the person’s life?

Do nominees have to be New Jersey residents?Yes. The Honoree must live in New Jersey and their work must help people or communities in New Jersey.

I’ve nominated someone before, but they were not selected for an award. May I nominate them again?Yes. Some Honorees were nominated for a few years before they were selected.

Can a past Honoree receive an award?No. Past Honorees are not eligible to receive awards in future years.

Does it help to submit multiple nominations for one person? No. Multiple nominations do not increase the nominee’s chance of being selected.

How will I know if my nominee is selected? Those selected as 2020 Honorees are contacted in early April. All nominees who were not selected and their nominators will receive an invitation to the Award Ceremony. The invitation will contain a card stating that they were not selected this year.

All nominees will be recognized at the Award Ceremony and will receive a Certificate of Appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award

Documents

Do You Know an Unsung LEADER LOCAL HERO? MOTIVATOR€¦ · Russell Berrie was the chairman and CEO of Russ Berrie & Company, a New Jersey company which he started in a tiny rented