2 Jersey City Residents Awarded $25K For Work In Community

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Two Jersey City residents are among the 24 in the Garden State to be awarded this year's Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award. The award recognizes unsung heroes in New Jersey.

Anthony Capuano and Sister Frances Salemi each received $25,000 as part of the award. This is the 25th anniversary of the award. Only four awards of $25,000 are given each year.

Capuano was honored for his heroic efforts in November when he saved a man whose car crashed into the Newark Bay. Capuano is a lifeguard and swim instructor but wasn't on duty when he noticed the car and driver sinking into the bay. Capuano risked his life jumping into the freezing waters to pull the driver out.

Sister Salemi was principal of Sacred Heart School on Dec. 10, 2019 when the grocery store across the street was attacked by a gunman. In the hours-long shootout with police that ensued, four people were killed, and the school was riddled with bullets, but Sister Salemi and her staff kept the students safe.

For 25 years, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has honored New Jersey residents whose outstanding service to others and heroic acts make a substantial impact on the lives of others. The award has now given $3.75 million to 380 people, each of whom has an inspiring story to tell about how they made a difference.

“As challenging as 2020 was for so many of us, these selfless individuals answered their communities’ call for help,” said Angelica Berrie, President, Russell Berrie Foundation. “From activists fighting injustice and systemic inequities to neighbors helping neighbors struggling during the pandemic, it’s an honor to celebrate this remarkable group of individuals as part of our 25th anniversary celebration of the awards and Russ’ legacy.”