My family moved to Bristol, PA a small blue collar town on the banks of the Delaware River when I was 7 years old. My father, The Rev. Stanley Gladfelter had been hired as the Parish Priest for St. James Episcopal Church, founded in 1712. He immediately set to work helping those in need, starting a daycare center for working mothers who had no one to care for their children. At the time, I was blissfully unaware of the struggles many people in our town were facing. But years later, I would see how the seeds of compassion sown by my father and others grew into something extraordinary—helping people like those my father served, and those I grew up alongside.

 

Growing up in Bristol was a unique experience. The community had a special kind of warmth—a mix of close-knit families, hard work, and quiet resilience. I made many great friends during those formative years, and many of them are still a part of my life today. One such friend is Jeffrey Fisher, a fellow BHS Alum, class of ‘73.

 

While Jeff was studying at Princeton, his mother, Doris Fisher, continued to serve as the Executive Director of the Food Bank. When illness forced her to step away in 2006, Jeff and his wife, Rev. Helen Stout Fisher, stepped forward to carry on her legacy. Under their compassionate leadership, the food bank has remained a lifeline for families in need, supported by the unwavering generosity and hard work of countless Bristolians. Together, the community has rallied—through donations, volunteering, and spreading the word—to ensure this vital resource continues to thrive.

 

The pantry, better known locally as BBCAG, is an all-volunteer organization, solely dependent on individual donations - not supported by United Way or any other large donors. The organization was established in 1971, and individual donations enable it to fulfill its mission statement to this day. This ride is my small way of honoring their extraordinary efforts and contributing to their mission. I invite you to join me in supporting this fundraiser. Together, we can continue the legacy of compassion and service that defines Bristol, helping those in need and keeping the spirit of our community alive for generations to come.