Cape Assist Receives More Than Just a Parking Lot

WILDWOOD — A nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing substance abuse and related issues in Cape May County through education, advocacy and community collaboration received a gift of a parking lot from a family not located in this community.
“But it’s more than just a few extra spaces, more than just a parking lot,” said Lynne D. Krukosky, Cape Assist’s executive director, at a Nov. 18 ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly completed parking lot.
“This extra space will also be used for after school programs as well as family barbeques and other outside activities.”
The vacant lot next to Cape Assist’s offices at 3819 New Jersey Ave. on which the new parking lot was built belonged to Jeffrey and Andrea Stewart, of Rye, New York. The Stewarts owned the property through the S2 Group, Jeffrey’s real estate investment company focused on the recapitalization, rehabilitation and renovation of distressed real estate.
Krukosky told the Herald that Cape Assist had been coveting the vacant lot since 2005. The group’s attorney Skip Kay had been researching a way to obtain it for them. Eventually, the group met with Jeffrey Stewart who told Krukosky that, “you need this land more than I do.”
After a failed attempt to secure a grant to purchase the lot, the Stewarts decided to donate it to Cape Assist after seeing the good work that Cape Assist does for the Cape May County community. The Stewarts understand the importance of nonprofit organizations because of their association with the Brittle Bone Disease Foundation. One of their two children is afflicted with the disease.
“On behalf of Cape Assist and our Board of Trustees we wish to extend our appreciation and thank you to Jeffrey Stewart and his wife Andrea for their generous contribution of the property in which we were able to construct a new parking facility for our staff and clients that we serve,” Krukosky wrote to the Stewarts.
“You can expect that whoever enters the office and parks in our beautiful parking lot they will always remember Mr. & Mrs. Stewart for their sincere kindness. Thank you for choosing to make a difference by helping Cape Assist in our mission to prevent substance abuse in Cape May County.”
It wasn’t just the Stewarts who made this gift a reality. Krukosky thanked Stephen Martinelli for donating a survey of the land. Brian Murphy of MV Engineering handled the planning board and permits and Mitch Nichols cleared the lot and completed the work.
“But all of this would not have occurred without the backing of USDA Rural Development who had $30,500 for the development of the land,” Krukosky said. “USDA Rural Development helped build our current headquarters and now is helping us again.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by local, state and federal officials, project volunteers as well as members of Cape Assist’s board and staff.
Wildwood Mayor Gary DeMarzo commended the private parking lot donation noting the important work that Cape Assist does for the community. Rick Rixey, a Cape Assist board member, echoed DeMarzo’s sentiments.
Since the early 1980s, Cape Assist (under different names) has been offering this community needed substance abuse programming.
Included in its 2010 program list are: Childhood Drinking Coalition, Community Tobacco Prevention, Core Team Training, CPS Training, Employment Assistance Program, Fatal Vision Goggles, Forest Friends, Girl Power, Healthy Community Coalition, IMPACT 6, K.A.R.E. Center, Life Skills Training, Party Drugs, Peer Leadership, REBEL, Resource Center, Sea Life, Speakers Bureau, Strengthening Families Program, Student Assistance Program, 12-Step Information, We Check for 21 and Youth Development.
The public will have an opportunity to help Cape Assist and its programs through its annual Tree of Hope event in which tree ornaments can be purchased symbolizing hope for loved ones struggling with addiction.
“By dedicating and ornament, you help keep the flame of hope alive for those who have been touched by addiction and who are striving for a better tomorrow for themselves, their families and our community,” a Tree of Hope flyer stated.
This year’s Tree of Hope dedication will be held on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Cape Assist office. Dickie Noles, of the Phillies 1980 World Series championship team, will serve as a guest speaker. The public is invited to attend.
To dedicate an ornament for the Tree of Hope for between $10 and $100 please contact Carol at (609) 522-5960 or at Carol@capeassist.org.