$100 Holiday Gifts Surprise Attendees At Fresh Connect Food Distribution

Gene Epstein being thanked by a food event participant. Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

Standing alongside hundreds of Bucks Countians waiting for fresh food, philanthropist Gene Epstein watched as the first 400 attendees at a Friday morning food distribution event received an unexpected holiday gift.

Bristol Township and Bristol Borough police officers were on hand at the Fresh Connect distribution in Bristol Township Municipal Park. They were giving out small, green envelopes.

Inside each envelope was a $100 bill donated by Epstein.

Epstein, who is in his 80s, typically gives away money closer to Christmas, but he decided to move the giveaway up this year, citing struggles with funding for food programs.

“It’s great,” Epstein said as an older woman interrupted him to express her thanks.

Gene Epstein talking about his vision to help others. Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

“Thank you so much,” the woman told Epstein. “It’s very nice of you.”

The tens of thousands of dollars in gifts were distributed at the Fresh Connect event, a free farmers market offering fresh, healthy produce, often grown by local farmers.

Staff and volunteers at Fresh Connect. Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

The market is organized by the Bucks County Opportunity Council in coordination with other nonprofits and Trinity Health.

Epstein, who made his fortune in car dealerships and real estate, said he wanted police departments to distribute the money to help foster a positive relationship between officers and the community they serve.

The gifting event was organized by the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund.

The $100 gift is set to make a difference for many during the holiday season.

A Bristol Township woman, who only wished to be identified as Ellen, commended not just Epstein, but the many volunteers who organize the Fresh Connect.

“It’s nice to have fresh vegetables to make at dinnertime,” she said. “It tastes better, and I can buy something else with the money I have at the grocery store.”

Ellen praised the philanthropist’s generosity.

“When many need help, Mr. Epstein is not worried about coming to help us,” she said. “Mr. Epstein can’t imagine how much this means.”

View this post on Instagram

To fund his long-standing holiday tradition, Epstein said he sold some of his antique vehicle collection.

The philanthropist hopes to continue his charity work and compared giving to an addiction for him.

“I hope I’m here for a lot longer. Let’s hope this perpetuates for a very, very long time,” Epstein said.

Bristol Borough Chief of Police Joe Moors and Bristol Township Chief of Police C.J. Winik both said they appreciated Epstein’s donation and that he allowed police to take part.