The Russ Berrie Award

for Making a Difference

The Russell Berrie Foundation

RAMAPO COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEYRamapo College of New Jersey is proud to coordinate the Russ Berrie Award for Making a

Difference for the Russell Berrie Foundation. Ramapo is New Jersey’s Public Liberal Arts College, dedicated to providing students

a strong foundation for a lifetime of achievement. The College is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. Ramapo emphasizes teaching and individual attention to all students. We promote diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability student engagement, and community involvement.

Ranked by “U.S. News & World Report” as sixth in the Best Regional Universities North category for public institutions, Ramapo is often viewed as a private college; due, in part, to its unique interdisciplinary academic structure, its size of approximately 6,000 students and its pastoral setting in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountain on the New Jersey/New York border.

Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include nursing and social work. In addition, Ramapo offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels. The College also offers seven graduate programs. Ramapo has an 18:1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 23, affording students the opportunity to develop close ties with the College’s exceptional faculty.

A campus-wide building program during recent years has resulted in completion of the Anisfield School of Business; Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center; Overlook, Laurel and Village residence complexes; Sharp Sustainability Education Center; and, the Salameno Spiritual Center. The Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts houses performance theaters, art galleries and specialized spaces devoted to fine arts, computer art, photography, theater, dance and music.

©2014 Ramapo College of New JerseyRCRB-PROGRAM-10.14

Uncommon Recognition for Uncommon Acts

RUSS BERRIE 1933 - 2002

Russell Berrie founded the Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. (RUSS), a New Jersey-based company, in 1963. Until his death in 2002, Mr. Berrie served as Chairman and Chief-Executive Officer. RUSS and its wholly-owned subsidiaries design, develop, and distribute gift, home décor, infant and juvenile products through retail outlets 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 expressed his values, passions and vision in the areas of diabetes, humanism in medicine, Jewish continuity, salesmanship as a profession, arts and culture, honoring New Jersey’s unsung heroes and strengthening communities in northern New Jersey.

His support of philanthropic organizations earned him numerous awards and public recognition. Fortune magazine, in its February 6, 1998 issue, honored Mr. Berrie as one of the 40 most generous Americans. The Russell Berrie Foundation earned the 2001 Outstanding Foundation Award presented by the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In November, 2002, he and his wife, Angelica, were named Humanitarians of the Year by the New York Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The Russell Berrie Foundation continues to proactively identify and support dynamic leaders with the passion, energy and commitment to be the driving force behind programs that fulfill the broad vision of its founder: improving the well being of society. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.russellberriefoundation.org.

Russ and Angelica Berrie

The Russ Berrie Award for Making A Difference

Nineteen Years of Uncommon Acts

PURPOSEThe Russ Berrie Award for Making A Difference celebrates its 19th Anniversary of public recognition for uncommon acts on behalf of the common good. The Russell Berrie Foundation will fund up to three major awards of $50,000, $35,000 and $25,000 and up to eight runner-up awards of $5,000 to recognize unusual heroism and community service by New Jersey citizens. The goals are to recognize those “unsung heroes” who have made a significant difference to the well-being of society and for whom the award would make a significant difference in their own lives and to publicize good works in society.

SELECTION COMMITTEEThe Advisory Board consists of distinguished New Jersey business leaders and professionals who evaluate nominations. The group presents the awards at a ceremony held at Ramapo College of New Jersey on May 1, 2015.

The committee considers the following criteria:

n What is the scale of the accomplishment and is it unique?

n Is the work an inspiration to others?

n Is the person paid or a volunteer? If paid, is the accomplishment truly above and beyond?

n How enduring is the heroism or sacrifice?

n If a single act, was there a high degree of risk and danger?

n How many people were impacted or influenced?

n Would the award make a significant difference in their lives?

n Has the work been carried out in New Jersey?

Nothing is more important in life than helping a fellow human being.

– Russ Berrie

“ ”

1999 Beverly Turner of Irvington, who is single and has a disability, adopted 13 children with serious medical conditions. James C. Joiner of Paterson, a school principal, founded an after-school mentoring and recreation program. Freddie Hoffman of River Edge has made raising money for the Leukemia Foundation his lifelong mission.

1998Paul Burns of Bogota founded Salt of the Earth to assist the homeless in Hackensack. Patricia Williams Chisholm of Short Hills, foster mother to 126 children, founded Children Together, a pilot program that allows siblings to stay together. Jerry Gray of Irvington suffered severe burns when he and his best friend ran into a burning building to save children. His friend perished.

1997Jean Webster of Atlantic City feeds disadvantaged people every day, frequently using her own money. Richard and Maureen Kanka of Hamilton Township founded the Megan Nicole Kanka Foundation to increase public awareness about the danger posed to children by convicted sex offenders. Reverend Edwin D. Leahy, O.S.B. of Newark is headmaster of St. Benedict’s Prep, where more than 95 percent of the school’s graduates have gone on to higher learning.

“ I try to get people involved so they see there’s still life to

be lived and enjoyed.

It’s very rewarding if I can make others feel better about

themselves.”

Joseph Neary, 2002 Honoree

The Russ Berrie Award for Making A Difference

2014 Recipients

The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference

(L to R): Angelica Berrie, Joyce Jenkins, Edith Coogan, Joseph Blythe, President Peter P. Mercer.

provide obstetrical and gynecologic surgery services. Arthur Ackerman of Port Norris adopted and raised four children with special needs.

2004 Haley Rae Reimbold of Roosevelt from a very young age has directed programs as a volunteer for the Red Cross. William Thomas of Rahway jumped into the frigid waters of the Rahway River to rescue a pregnant woman trapped by her partially submerged car. Kathleen Pearson of Brick saved a pregnant mother and her four-year-old son after a Christmas Eve automobile accident caused by a drunk driver.

2003 John West, James Sylvester and Thomas Stewart III, all of Camden County, lost their lives in a blaze that also claimed the lives of three children they tried to rescue. Roberta Vickery of Pine Beach, blind from birth, is a retired physical therapist and founder of Ocean County Volunteers for the Blind. Frances Jackson of Jersey City was injured when she pushed three children to safety and out of the path of a drunk driver.

2002 James Heenan of Westville, a fire company volunteer died from injuries received while attempting to rescue residents from a fire. Susan A. Nobleman of Green Village launched the Teen Institute of the Garden State and The Willow Tree to motivate teens to make a positive difference. Dr. Anna Sweany of Middletown founded Our Lady of Providence Free Medical Clinic in Neptune to provide medical care to the working poor.

2001 Sandra Ramos of Ringwood founded the nation’s first battered women’s shelter in 1970 and directs Strengthen Our Sisters. Dana Leigh Christmas of Paterson endangered her own life to save others when fire broke out in a dormitory at Seton Hall University. Joseph C. Martoccia of Pompton Lakes founded the First Aid Squad in 1936.

2000 Terrence Hoben of Bound Brook rescued approximately 300 residents during Hurricane Floyd. Carey Jenkins of Wyckoff founded Operation Link-Up which supports West Paterson high school students pursuing a college education. Claude “Pops” Kranik of Totowa responded to 515 service calls in a year as a volunteer with Totowa’s First Aid Squad, Fire Dept. and the West Paterson Fire Dept.

For her work providing primary medical services to the underserved in Freehold, Joyce Jenkins of Marlboro was awarded a $50,000 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference. Jenkins is the founder and director of the Paul M. McGuire Family Health Center in Freehold. A nurse practitioner, she had been a volunteer at a free clinic in Neptune. When the clinic moved, Jenkins saw an opportunity to bring free medical services to the Freehold area. She convinced the clinic to donate the trailer they had been using to provide medical services to Jenkins’ church, New Beginnings Agape Christian Center. She recruited a medical director and medical professionals and obtained funding and donations. The Center provides physical and primary care services, immunizations and pediatric, ophthalmology and dermatological services. The Center has served more than 3,000 patients, totaling over 10,000 visits.

Edith Coogan of Cranford lists her occupation as homemaker and crusader for homeless families. The founder of Raphael’s Life House, a 12-bed program in Elizabeth for homeless pregnant women, mothers and children, received the $35,000 award. Coogan, 82, and the mother of seven, established Raphael’s Life House 20 years ago. Through her efforts, hundreds of women and their children receive prenatal care and a new start in life. Coogan is omnipresent in her efforts, galvanizing thousands of donors and volunteers over the years.

Joseph Blythe of Hasbrouck Heights accepted the $25,000 Berrie Award for Making a Difference. Blythe converted his vision for a facility to feed the hungry into a reality when he established Meals with a Mission in 2010. Working with two local churches, Corpus Christi and Assumption Church, he planted the seed. The organization has expanded from cooking meals one night a week to a full-time facility in Garfield. His vision, commitment and financial support have made a difference in the lives of thousands. Since opening in Garfield, Meals with a Mission has distributed more than 53,000 meals. Blythe leads a dedicated team of 130 who are committed to making sure no one goes hungry.

“ Like all the other nominees, I never expected any kind of

acknowledgment just for doing the right thing. I must admit that knowing I was chosen for the award pushes me to work

harder and longer at making a difference for others.”

Kevin Williams, 2009 Honoree

“ Today’s economic crisis could be catastrophic for vulnerable families leaving many homeless.Operation

Chillout has been dedicated to relieving the suffering

of homeless men, women and youth in small,

practical ways.

The Foundation’s recognition of our work reminds us

that helping the least among us is

doing the work that truly matters.”

Deacon Ray Chimileski, 2008 Honoree

The Russ Berrie Award for Making A Difference

2014 Recipients

The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference

(L to R): Angelica Berrie, Joyce Jenkins, Edith Coogan, Joseph Blythe, President Peter P. Mercer.

provide obstetrical and gynecologic surgery services. Arthur Ackerman of Port Norris adopted and raised four children with special needs.

2004 Haley Rae Reimbold of Roosevelt from a very young age has directed programs as a volunteer for the Red Cross. William Thomas of Rahway jumped into the frigid waters of the Rahway River to rescue a pregnant woman trapped by her partially submerged car. Kathleen Pearson of Brick saved a pregnant mother and her four-year-old son after a Christmas Eve automobile accident caused by a drunk driver.

2003 John West, James Sylvester and Thomas Stewart III, all of Camden County, lost their lives in a blaze that also claimed the lives of three children they tried to rescue. Roberta Vickery of Pine Beach, blind from birth, is a retired physical therapist and founder of Ocean County Volunteers for the Blind. Frances Jackson of Jersey City was injured when she pushed three children to safety and out of the path of a drunk driver.

2002 James Heenan of Westville, a fire company volunteer died from injuries received while attempting to rescue residents from a fire. Susan A. Nobleman of Green Village launched the Teen Institute of the Garden State and The Willow Tree to motivate teens to make a positive difference. Dr. Anna Sweany of Middletown founded Our Lady of Providence Free Medical Clinic in Neptune to provide medical care to the working poor.

2001 Sandra Ramos of Ringwood founded the nation’s first battered women’s shelter in 1970 and directs Strengthen Our Sisters. Dana Leigh Christmas of Paterson endangered her own life to save others when fire broke out in a dormitory at Seton Hall University. Joseph C. Martoccia of Pompton Lakes founded the First Aid Squad in 1936.

2000 Terrence Hoben of Bound Brook rescued approximately 300 residents during Hurricane Floyd. Carey Jenkins of Wyckoff founded Operation Link-Up which supports West Paterson high school students pursuing a college education. Claude “Pops” Kranik of Totowa responded to 515 service calls in a year as a volunteer with Totowa’s First Aid Squad, Fire Dept. and the West Paterson Fire Dept.

For her work providing primary medical services to the underserved in Freehold, Joyce Jenkins of Marlboro was awarded a $50,000 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference. Jenkins is the founder and director of the Paul M. McGuire Family Health Center in Freehold. A nurse practitioner, she had been a volunteer at a free clinic in Neptune. When the clinic moved, Jenkins saw an opportunity to bring free medical services to the Freehold area. She convinced the clinic to donate the trailer they had been using to provide medical services to Jenkins’ church, New Beginnings Agape Christian Center. She recruited a medical director and medical professionals and obtained funding and donations. The Center provides physical and primary care services, immunizations and pediatric, ophthalmology and dermatological services. The Center has served more than 3,000 patients, totaling over 10,000 visits.

Edith Coogan of Cranford lists her occupation as homemaker and crusader for homeless families. The founder of Raphael’s Life House, a 12-bed program in Elizabeth for homeless pregnant women, mothers and children, received the $35,000 award. Coogan, 82, and the mother of seven, established Raphael’s Life House 20 years ago. Through her efforts, hundreds of women and their children receive prenatal care and a new start in life. Coogan is omnipresent in her efforts, galvanizing thousands of donors and volunteers over the years.

Joseph Blythe of Hasbrouck Heights accepted the $25,000 Berrie Award for Making a Difference. Blythe converted his vision for a facility to feed the hungry into a reality when he established Meals with a Mission in 2010. Working with two local churches, Corpus Christi and Assumption Church, he planted the seed. The organization has expanded from cooking meals one night a week to a full-time facility in Garfield. His vision, commitment and financial support have made a difference in the lives of thousands. Since opening in Garfield, Meals with a Mission has distributed more than 53,000 meals. Blythe leads a dedicated team of 130 who are committed to making sure no one goes hungry.

“ Like all the other nominees, I never expected any kind of

acknowledgment just for doing the right thing. I must admit that knowing I was chosen for the award pushes me to work

harder and longer at making a difference for others.”

Kevin Williams, 2009 Honoree

“ Today’s economic crisis could be catastrophic for vulnerable families leaving many homeless.Operation

Chillout has been dedicated to relieving the suffering

of homeless men, women and youth in small,

practical ways.

The Foundation’s recognition of our work reminds us

that helping the least among us is

doing the work that truly matters.”

Deacon Ray Chimileski, 2008 Honoree

RUSS BERRIE 1933 - 2002

Russell Berrie founded the Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. (RUSS), a New Jersey-based company, in 1963. Until his death in 2002, Mr. Berrie served as Chairman and Chief-Executive Officer. RUSS and its wholly-owned subsidiaries design, develop, and distribute gift, home décor, infant and juvenile products through retail outlets 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 expressed his values, passions and vision in the areas of diabetes, humanism in medicine, Jewish continuity, salesmanship as a profession, arts and culture, honoring New Jersey’s unsung heroes and strengthening communities in northern New Jersey.

His support of philanthropic organizations earned him numerous awards and public recognition. Fortune magazine, in its February 6, 1998 issue, honored Mr. Berrie as one of the 40 most generous Americans. The Russell Berrie Foundation earned the 2001 Outstanding Foundation Award presented by the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In November, 2002, he and his wife, Angelica, were named Humanitarians of the Year by the New York Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The Russell Berrie Foundation continues to proactively identify and support dynamic leaders with the passion, energy and commitment to be the driving force behind programs that fulfill the broad vision of its founder: improving the well being of society. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.russellberriefoundation.org.

Russ and Angelica Berrie

The Russ Berrie Award for Making A Difference

Nineteen Years of Uncommon Acts

PURPOSEThe Russ Berrie Award for Making A Difference celebrates its 19th Anniversary of public recognition for uncommon acts on behalf of the common good. The Russell Berrie Foundation will fund up to three major awards of $50,000, $35,000 and $25,000 and up to eight runner-up awards of $5,000 to recognize unusual heroism and community service by New Jersey citizens. The goals are to recognize those “unsung heroes” who have made a significant difference to the well-being of society and for whom the award would make a significant difference in their own lives and to publicize good works in society.

SELECTION COMMITTEEThe Advisory Board consists of distinguished New Jersey business leaders and professionals who evaluate nominations. The group presents the awards at a ceremony held at Ramapo College of New Jersey on May 1, 2015.

The committee considers the following criteria:

n What is the scale of the accomplishment and is it unique?

n Is the work an inspiration to others?

n Is the person paid or a volunteer? If paid, is the accomplishment truly above and beyond?

n How enduring is the heroism or sacrifice?

n If a single act, was there a high degree of risk and danger?

n How many people were impacted or influenced?

n Would the award make a significant difference in their lives?

n Has the work been carried out in New Jersey?

Nothing is more important in life than helping a fellow human being.

– Russ Berrie

“ ”

1999 Beverly Turner of Irvington, who is single and has a disability, adopted 13 children with serious medical conditions. James C. Joiner of Paterson, a school principal, founded an after-school mentoring and recreation program. Freddie Hoffman of River Edge has made raising money for the Leukemia Foundation his lifelong mission.

1998Paul Burns of Bogota founded Salt of the Earth to assist the homeless in Hackensack. Patricia Williams Chisholm of Short Hills, foster mother to 126 children, founded Children Together, a pilot program that allows siblings to stay together. Jerry Gray of Irvington suffered severe burns when he and his best friend ran into a burning building to save children. His friend perished.

1997Jean Webster of Atlantic City feeds disadvantaged people every day, frequently using her own money. Richard and Maureen Kanka of Hamilton Township founded the Megan Nicole Kanka Foundation to increase public awareness about the danger posed to children by convicted sex offenders. Reverend Edwin D. Leahy, O.S.B. of Newark is headmaster of St. Benedict’s Prep, where more than 95 percent of the school’s graduates have gone on to higher learning.

“ I try to get people involved so they see there’s still life to

be lived and enjoyed.

It’s very rewarding if I can make others feel better about

themselves.”

Joseph Neary, 2002 Honoree

The Russ Berrie Award

for Making a Difference

The Russell Berrie Foundation

RAMAPO COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEYRamapo College of New Jersey is proud to coordinate the Russ Berrie Award for Making a

Difference for the Russell Berrie Foundation. Ramapo is New Jersey’s Public Liberal Arts College, dedicated to providing students

a strong foundation for a lifetime of achievement. The College is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. Ramapo emphasizes teaching and individual attention to all students. We promote diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability student engagement, and community involvement.

Ranked by “U.S. News & World Report” as sixth in the Best Regional Universities North category for public institutions, Ramapo is often viewed as a private college; due, in part, to its unique interdisciplinary academic structure, its size of approximately 6,000 students and its pastoral setting in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountain on the New Jersey/New York border.

Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include nursing and social work. In addition, Ramapo offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels. The College also offers seven graduate programs. Ramapo has an 18:1 student/faculty ratio and an average class size of 23, affording students the opportunity to develop close ties with the College’s exceptional faculty.

A campus-wide building program during recent years has resulted in completion of the Anisfield School of Business; Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center; Overlook, Laurel and Village residence complexes; Sharp Sustainability Education Center; and, the Salameno Spiritual Center. The Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts houses performance theaters, art galleries and specialized spaces devoted to fine arts, computer art, photography, theater, dance and music.

©2014 Ramapo College of New JerseyRCRB-PROGRAM-10.14

Uncommon Recognition for Uncommon Acts