Credit: Submitted
Many would call Gene Epstein selfless, but he describes himself as selfish.
The former auto dealer and real estate investor turned philanthropist from Wrightstown Township spent the holiday season giving to others, but he noted he gets so much joy from being generous.
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On Friday, December 4, Epstein teamed up with Bristol Borough Santa Rob Piazza, who recently made headlines after his suit was stolen, and stood outside Bucks County Community College’s Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks in Bristol Township, which is named after the Epsteins.
The duo stood in the parking lot and handed out sealed envelopes to the people in line for Fresh Connect, a nonprofit partnership that provides fresh produce to Bucks Countians facing hunger.
Car-by-waiting-car, Epstein and Santa handed out the envelopes. There were families, senior citizens, and everyone in between.
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Epstein heard the calls of “thank you” and saw the tears by those who were grateful for $100 in each envelope that was handed out to help them.
He noted that $100 can make a big difference for a person in need.
Credit: Submitted
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Epstein and the local Santa also handed out holiday-time contributions to those picking up meals at the Emergency Relief Association (ERA) Food Pantry, which has served the area for 51 years, on Woodbourne Road in Middletown Township.
The one-off donation events were designed to help those in need and bring some cheer this holiday season, Epstein said.
There was a total of about $40,000 given out by Epstein.
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The holiday helping spree didn’t end there.
Just days before Christmas, Epstein donated $50,000 to help the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC), Keystone Opportunity Center and Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club and Gannett newspapers’ Give A Christmas programs.
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“Giving is an addiction. It’s selfish because I like it,” he said. “It’s an addiction I don’t want to get over.”
Epstein has donated significant portions of his assets to nonprofit causes in Bucks County and around the state. He said he worked his way up and now is lucky to be in the position to give back and help others.
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“It’s great to change somebody’s life,” he said.
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