After 30 years of uplifting unsung heroes, a NJ nonprofit passes its legacy to Gen Z

Thirty years ago, the late Russ Berrie began honoring and investing in individuals based on his belief that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. That belief transformed into the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award, a program that has recognized unsung heroes throughout New Jersey for 30 years. 

Over time, the award has supported people like Fraidy Reiss, who bravely worked to help end forced and child marriage, and Kim Gaddy, whose activism has driven historic environmental legislation. Now, with $4.7M+ invested in 485 honorees, it has created a powerful network with lasting impact.  

This May, the award will recognize its final 30 honorees. For the first time, that group includes 15 Gen Z Changemakers, a passing of the torch to a new generation continuing this work. They will also honor 15 Grow the Ripple honorees, nominated by previous recipients who were able to identify those creating the next wave of impact.  

I’d like to introduce you to Scott Berrie, Russ’ son and VP of the Russell Berrie Foundation, who can speak to the program’s lasting impact. I can also introduce you to past and current honorees, including Fraidy Reiss. 

Details and the list of winners are seen below. Select winners from North Jersey are highlighted.  Please let me know if you’d be interested in speaking with Scott and select honorees. Thank you. 

Select Gen Z Making a Difference Honorees: 

Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Bergen County — Founder of Eloquence Academy, a tuition-free debate and public speaking program reaching more than 3,000 students across 35 states and 19 countries. 

Aidan Barth & Abigail Franco, Union County — Co-founders of LINC Program, addressing hidden food insecurity by building a community-driven model that serves families in underserved pockets of affluent areas. 

Rashanna James-Frison, Essex County — Leader with Girls, Live, Love, Laugh Inc., mentoring young women while leading a Medicaid redetermination effort that preserved benefits for more than 500 families. 

Select Grow the Ripple of Positive Change Honorees: 

Violet Reed, Bergen County (nominated by Eric Fuchs-Stengel, 2012 Honoree) — Leads MEVO, scaling youth-led sustainability initiatives that have mobilized 1,500 volunteers, removed 150,000 pounds of waste, and preserved more than 20 miles of trails while launching Bergen County’s first farm-to-school program.  

Mark Valli, Sussex County (nominated by Peg Wright, 2025 Honoree) — Leads Norwescap, delivering wraparound services including housing, childcare, and job training to support more than 30,000 individuals and families across Northwest New Jersey.  

Dr. Alice Terrell-Bryant, Essex County (nominated by Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr, 2024 Honoree) — Founder of the Lemonaid Foundation for Endometriosis, advancing advocacy and support for African American women facing severe disparities in reproductive health outcomes. 

The full list of 2026 honorees:  

Gen Z Making a Difference Honorees  

Aidan Barth & Abigail Franco, LINC Program, Union County 

Alias Ragsdale, Clifton Board of Education, Passaic County 

Aliza Lopez, Medicine Encompassed, Middlesex County 

Ava Costa, Arturo Healing Hearts, Middlesex County 

Eddi Raymond, Bergen County LGBTQ+ Alliance, Bergen County 

Erielys Vicente, Neighborhood Collaborative Community Gardens, Camden County 

Ezra Fineman, The Hyper IgM Podcast, Bergen County 

Giuliana Demma, GS Giving Gowns, Monmouth County 

Kavin Arora, Mission Impact, Mercer County 

Lakita Lloyd, SHE Wins Inc., Essex County 

Landon Hoberman, Student Environmental Ambassador Program, Ocean County 

Rashanna James-Frison, Girls, Live, Love, Laugh Inc., Essex County 

Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Eloquence Academy, Inc., Bergen County 

Sri Nihal Tammana, Recycle My Battery, Middlesex County 

Sylvia Brown, Girl Scouts of the USA, Bergen County 

Grow the Ripple of Positive Change Honorees  

Beatriz Rodriguez, CEUS, Hudson County 

Christine Baugh, We Are Loved, Ocean County 

Dr. Alice Terrell-Bryant, Lemonaid Foundation for Endometriosis, Essex County 

Dr. Lawrence Boyd III, HELP Self Community Development Corp, Mercer County 

Julie Kinner, Table to Table, Bergen County 

Kathleen Lynn, CEUS, Hudson County 

Katelyn Baker, AIR Dogs: Paws for Minds, Mercer County 

Louis Quinones, Community Lifestyle, Hudson County 

Mark Valli, Norwescap, Sussex County 

Mona Patel, Urban Revival, Middlesex County 

Paul Shackford, Family Promise, Bergen County 

Ronsha Dickerson, Community Doulas of South Jersey, Camden County 

Susan Long, Angels in Motion, Atlantic County 

Terry McMillian, Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, Mercer County 

Violet Reed, MEVO, Bergen County