Mountain Lakes, NJ — January 2026 — Spring Lake Hope Foundation began 2026 with its first-ever ‘Taste of Hope’, a special evening at Hapgood’s Restaurant & Bar in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. The event was hosted by restaurant owners and Spring Lake Hope Foundation Board Members Bill and Lisa Corvelli. They welcomed special needs’ families supported by the Foundation, including children Luke, Alejandro and Gianna. It was an evening focused on comfort, connection, and community for families navigating rare childhood illnesses.

Taste of Hope brought together families supported by the Foundation, along with community leaders, corporate supporters, and sports icons, for an evening centered on connection and compassion. Families facing the challenges of caring for children with rare medical conditions were treated to dinner, offering a moment to relax, connect, and enjoy a night out together in a supportive setting.

The Spring Lake Hope Foundation is dedicated to supporting families navigating rare childhood illnesses by providing financial assistance, emotional support, and access to critical resources. Events like Taste of Hope reflect the Foundation’s mission to deliver not only aid, but also moments of comfort and community for families during difficult times. Foundation leadership, including Vice President Salvatore Frassetto, Chairman of Saddleback Real Estate Developers, and the Foundation’s President and CEO, Paulette Pera Laurenzi, joined families and supporters. Together, they reinforced the importance of standing alongside these children and their families beyond financial support alone.

“Taste of Hope is about giving families a moment to simply be together—to feel supported and welcomed,” said Paulette. “These evenings remind us that while our mission is rooted in helping families through difficult journeys, it’s the sense of community and connection that gives families hope.”

The evening included honorary board members and sports legends Bart Oates, a three-time Super Bowl champion and New York Football Giants star, and Ken Daneyko, a three-time Stanley Cup winner and longtime New Jersey Devils icon. They were joined by dozens of notable attendees from across the region, all united by a shared commitment to supporting the Foundation’s mission.

As the Foundation’s first event of the year, Taste of Hope set a meaningful tone for 2026—highlighting the power of generosity, hospitality, and community to make a real difference in the lives of families who need it most.

About Spring Lake Hope Foundation:
The Spring Lake Hope Foundation is a nonprofit, 501c3 corporation dedicated to providing financial assistance for medical and related expenses to children with severe illnesses and special needs.