2 Community Leaders In Montclair Earn Nods For 'Making A Difference'

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Everyone knows somebody who is a positive presence in their community. And there are no shortage of them in Montclair, according to the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards.

Organizers of the annual awards – which honor New Jersey residents whose “outstanding community service and heroic acts have made a substantial impact on the lives of others” – recently announced their 2023 winners.

This year, awards totaling $160,000 will be presented to 11 honorees. They include two people from Montclair: Melissa Walker and Jose German-Gomez.

According to the Russell Berrie Foundation, here's why Walker earned a nod this year:

"Melissa Walker of Montclair created [local nonprofit] Jazz House Kids. A professional jazz vocalist, Melissa created Jazz House Kids in 2002 to use jazz, America’s original musical art form, to ignite creativity and enhance students’ academy and social-emotional skills. Afterschool and summer programs provide a supportive creative community for students from diverse backgrounds from 10 New Jersey counties. In school programs reach those in under-resourced schools in Newark and Paterson. Melissa will receive a $25,000 award."

Here's why German-Gomez is also an award winner, the foundation said:

"Jose German-Gomez of Montclair launched Northeast Earth Coalition. After retiring from his accounting and finance career, Jose turned his energies to educating and supporting local environmental and sustainability initiatives. He launched the Northeast Earth Coalition to encourage local sustainability in North Jersey communities, holding workshops and training more than 750 volunteers who manage projects and community gardens across North Jersey."

The annual awards were established by the late Russell Berrie, and are funded by the Russell Berrie Foundation and hosted/managed by Ramapo College of New Jersey.

With 419 honorees since the inception of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award in 1997, more than $4 million in cash awards have been presented to recognize the personal sacrifices and commitments these individuals have made to serve others.

“I could not be more inspired by this year’s Making a Difference Award honorees for their efforts ranging from preventing violence to distributing tons of food and supplies weekly to people in need,” said Scott Berrie, vice president of the Russell Berrie Foundation and son of Russ Berrie.

“They have incredible dedication to tackling problems, bringing needed solutions that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities throughout New Jersey,” Berrie said. “It’s an honor to advance and celebrate their efforts.”

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