Bristol fundraiser remembers former administrator, benefits ALS Foundation | News, Sports, Jobs

Staff Photo/Bob Coupland Marshall Romig, 12, of Bloomfield, looks at a 1985 Chevrolet S-10 at the recent fundraising car show at the Bristol Center to raise money and awareness for the ALS Foundation. The third annual car show was also in memory of Trustee Richard Adams, who died of ALS in 2014.

BRISTOL — The Bristol community came together last week to raise awareness and funds for ALS, while also honoring administrator Richard Adams, who died from the disease.

Antique cars and tractors covered the downtown lawn Saturday for the fundraiser that included a car show, crafts show, farmers market, basket raffle and a 50/50 raffle.

Rhonda Hughes said she and her siblings wanted to remember their father for all he did for the community, so they started the car show five summers ago and hold it every August.

“The first year, we started with just a craft show. We wanted to do something for the community and also something in memory of Dad, so we added the car show. We also wanted to raise money for the ALS Foundation, so all the proceeds from the car show go to that,” Hughes said.

Adams died at age 74 in 2014 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

“My dad would have loved to be here for all of this. We’ve dedicated this car show to him. He was a great conversationalist and loved the community. We’re excited to get the people of Bristol out and about and socialise at an event like this.” Hughes said.

Hughes said there were 100 cars for the show.

In addition to being a city administrator, Adams was a local businessman and served in the military during the Vietnam War.

Bob Greskovich of Bristol said he always remembers Adams telling how he served in the army with Elvis Presley in Germany.

“He was very active in the community, acting as an administrator,” he said.

Adams served as a volunteer firefighter and ran Bristol Disposal.

Hughes said she comes from a large family of five girls and two boys. Their mother, Phyllis Adams, was also happy that the summer event would continue to be held in Adams’ memory.

“The community really likes it and has told us they are happy we did it,” Hughes said, noting that this was the auto show’s third year.

The family said the father has his own old car, but they were unable to start it to take him to the show.

Cis King and Cindy Passek were among those in attendance at the event.

The two women said they enjoy doing the summer event to see people from the community and at the same time have the opportunity to purchase items such as plants and gardening supplies.