H.O.P.E. Update Fall 2025
October 25, 2025
Greetings Members and Friends of H.O.P.E.
A lot has happened over the past several months and we want to provide you with an update:
H.O.P.E.’s First Big Restoration Fundraiser: H.O.P.E.’s Pasta Dinner held on Saturday, October 11, was a rousing community success! Lisa Iulo suggested the idea and then teamed up with the creative talents of Amy and John Hovell and Hope Pizza’s Jim Zellers. The event would not have been possible without the dedication of over 20 volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to roll out a fun and enjoyable event. The evening raised an amazing $6,019.81 from the sale of 150 dinner tickets, 35 generously donated prize drawings, a 50-50 raffle, 50% of the profits from the Doors of Hope prints, and many donations of food and supplies. Thank you to everyone for your involvement and support!
Crusen & Cooper Houses Restoration: The efforts of our grant writers, Ellen Benoit and Margo Biblin, have resulted in the following positive results: The NJ Historic Trust (NJHT) has approved $55,000 in funding for preparation of Preservation Plans and Phase I Archeological Surveys on both the Crusen & Cooper houses; the Warren County Municipal Charitable and Conservancy Trust (WCMCCT) has approved $54,450 in funding towards stabilization of the two houses; the New Jersey Highlands Coalition has approved $3,500 in funding toward stabilization costs associated with the foundation of the Cooper House.
One of the requirements of the WCMCCT grant was a 7.5 minute video presentation. This informative video, produced by Betsy Peterson, clearly shares the mission and vision of H.O.P.E. If you haven’t yet viewed it, go to our website hopepreservationon.org, scroll down on the homepage and you will find the video.
Funding from the NJ Historic Trust needs approval by the NJ Legislature and Governor; funding from the WCMCCT needs approval by the Warren County Commissioners. In addition, H.O.P.E. needs to contribute 25% of the WCMCCT & NJHT grant awards.
Professionals engaged: Artefact, Inc., Bethlehem, PA, an architectural firm specializing in historic restoration, has been engaged by H.O.P.E. to prepare preservation plans for the Crusen & Cooper Houses. Hunter Research, Inc., Trenton, NJ, specializing in archeological research, has been engaged to conduct Phase I Archeological Surveys on the Crusen & Cooper properties.
Long House: The Long House is 75% occupied. Unit A is available and H.O.P.E. is looking to rent this historic and aesthetically appealing unit to a “professional” in need of office space. Income paid by the Long House tenants covers ongoing cost of maintenance, repairs, insurance and other expenses. Available through Burgdorff Real Estate - Contact Linda Powers at lindapowersera@gmail.com or call 201.400.8510.
What’s ahead?
Capital campaign: According to rough estimates, the costs of restoring the Crusen and Cooper Houses will likely approach $2 million. Obtaining grants for this amount means 25% or $500,000 will need to be raised by H.O.P.E. Accordingly, H.O.P.E. plans to launch a capital campaign in 2026, with a “kick-off gala”. A capital campaign committee needs to be formed in the coming months. Anyone interested in helping with the campaign should contact Bob May, 908.459.5395 or Pete Peterson, 908.798.7164.
Stabilization of the Cooper House foundation: H.O.P.E. plans to use the funds provided by the WCMCCT and the Highlands Coalition to stabilize, restore, and repair the foundation of the Cooper House. This work will include repointing the entire foundation’s exterior to a depth of two feet below grade as well as all interior foundations in the full-basements, excluding crawlspaces.
One estimate for $69,500 has been obtained and at least one other estimate will be solicited before a contract is awarded.
Membership recruitment: State, County and local grant providers look at an organization’s membership to determine viability and to gauge how much support and interest is behind its restoration project. H.O.P.E. is again becoming a vibrant organization. We are currently 52 members strong and have a goal to double H.O.P.E.’s membership for 2026. Please consider a H.O.P.E. membership as a special gift idea for a family member or friend. Your membership matters and we thank you!
New fundraising ideas? Share your thoughts with Bob or Pete as to what you believe will help raise funds for the restoration of the Crusen and Cooper homes. Now is the time to think big and to think outside of the box!
To our members and friends: We want to express H.O.P.E.’s heartfelt thanks to the dozens of volunteers who have so freely given their time and talents over the past year to get us where we are today. We know there will be many challenges as the restoration of the Crusen and Cooper Houses progresses, but working together we can meet them head on.
With gratitude, thanks, and appreciation,
Bob May, President
Jackie Wilkens, Secretary
Pete Peterson, Vice President & Treasurer