[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO RUSSELL BERRIE and DR. ROBERT A. SCOTT

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Russell Berrie and Dr. Robert A. Scott, two of New Jersey's leaders in 
business and education, on the occasion of their third annual ``Making 
A Difference Awards'' program.
  Mr. President, Russ and Robert have made tremendous philanthropic and 
humanitarian contributions to my state of New Jersey. In 1997, they 
joined together through the Russell Berrie Foundation to create the 
``Making A Difference Awards,'' which honor unsung heroes of New Jersey 
for acts of unusual heroism, extraordinary community service or 
lifetime achievement.
  Much like the award recipients, Russ Berrie has devoted a lifetime to 
helping others. Thirty-six years ago, he founded RUSS Berrie and 
Company, Incorporated, which develops and distributes more than 6,000 
gift products to retailers worldwide. Its diverse range of products 
include stuffed animals, baby gifts, picture frames, candles, 
figurines, and home decor gifts. Russ' company, headquartered in 
Oakland, NJ, grosses annual sales of $270 million and has been listed 
on the New York Stock Exchange since 1984.
  Recently, Fortune Magazine named Russ one of its ``Forty Most 
Generous Americans,'' and Russ has been recognized by many 
organizations for his strong commitment to education, health care and 
interreligious affairs. Russ' Foundation promotes his values, passions, 
and ideas through investment in innovative ideas and by supporting 
individuals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
  Robert also has made a positive impact on the world around him. He 
currently is the president of Ramapo College, New Jersey's leading 
liberal arts school, serving over 5,000 undergraduate and graduate 
students from over 20 states and 50 nations. Thanks to Robert, the 
college has named its soon-to-open center for performing and visual 
arts after Russ and his wife, Angelica. What an honor!
  Mr. President, I am pleased today to honor my good friends Russ and 
Robert for their work in honoring the unsung heroes of New Jersey. We 
are indebted to them for their service. I am happy to join them in 
honoring this year's three winners of the ``Making A Difference 
Award''--Beverly Turner, of Irvington, who lives with muscular 
dystrophy, for devoting her time caring to children with special needs. 
James C. Joiner, founder of the Rescuing Inner Sity Kids (RISK), for 
dedicating his time, skill, and spirit to working with inner-city 
children to instill in them the desire to better themselves and the 
people around them. Finally, Frederick ``Freddie'' Hoffman, of River 
Edge, for dedicating the last ten years of his life to raising money 
for the Leukemia Foundation. I also would like to recognize the 14 
finalists: Douglas A. Berrian, Mr. and Mrs. William Clutter, Sister 
June Favata, Kathleen Garcia, Adam and Blair Hornstine, Sylvia Jackson, 
Jeff Macaulay, Jim McCloskey, Eddie Mulrow, Thomas O'Leary, Barry Lee 
Petty, Michael Ricciardone, Richard J. Ward, and Dr. and Mrs. Robert 
Zufall.
  Mr. President, I congratulate all of the honorees for unselfishly 
giving of themselves. They have proven to their family, to their 
friends, and to their communities that this honor is well-
deserved.

                          ____________________