Najlah Feanny Hicks earned $50,000 from the Russ Berrie foundation in a ceremony that honored 19 New Jersey residents for their civic minded efforts.
Najlah is a professional photographer who founded Heart Gallery of New Jersey in 2005 to provide professional photography skills to organizations seeking to place adoptive children in good homes.
Juanita Hines of Orange earned $35,000 for her work the last 20 years dispensing sandwiches, soups and stews to the homeless.
Other honorees were Marie Ardizzone, Bergenfield; Stanley Kuchar, Saddle River;Diane Gloria Marchial, Paramus; Dianne Montuori,Hackensack; Scott Reddin, Englewood; Robert Relay,River Vale.
The spirit of The Russ Berrie Foundation is best summarized in the tribute offered on the floor of The United States Senate.
” Russ has always believed his success in business carried with it an obligation to give back to the community. To this end, he has lent his support to a variety of groups and institutions which share his vision of creating opportunity and improving the quality of life for others.”