Alone we can do so little, together we can so much! Helen Keller

From everything we have in us, we wish to thank all of you for helping to drive this vision. From our family to yours – Look what we have ALL DONE TOGETHER!

With Love and great appreciation,

Jacob and his family

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Alone we can do so little, together we can so much! Helen Keller

We think Jacob would say the same thing….Look what we did together! Hundreds came to discover magic PURE MAGIC. All of you helped in your own unique and powerful way. Thousands of gifts were given away to those who need them the most. Hundreds of teenagers were role models leading youngsters on a mission of kindness. This weekend showcased the contagious and heartfelt power that we all have in us to give unconditionally and unselfishly.

Look what people are saying….

“My kids learned a valuable lesson about giving to others. “
“Incredibly Inspiring.”
“Maddy went to bed in her angel shirt as she said it made her “feel good.”
“Jack felt so proud of himself and his brothers for donating gifts to others. As he was going to bed tonight, Jack said that he was proud of his little brothers for doing a mitzvah – I think that is pretty special coming from a four year old boy.”

Thank you, all of you for being part of the Jacob’s Ladder family. As we take a moment to pause and reflect, an overwhelming feeling of calm and comfort takes over as we are completely humbled by this community. At first you were there for us, now all of us are there for so many others.

From everything we have in us, we wish to thank all of you for helping to drive this vision. From our family to yours – Look what we have ALL DONE TOGETHER!

With Love and great appreciation,

Jacob and his family

P.S. At Jake’s Gigantic Give YOU gave big!! Xo

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According to Jordan:

How did you come to be involved with Jacob’s Ladder?

I have been a big fan of Ellen’s for a long time. She is a true force of nature. When we moved onto her street and met Jacob, it was a no brainer.

What does your affiliation with Jacob’s Ladder and (Jake’s Gigantic Give specifically) bring to you?
When you walk into the (Jake’s Gigantic Give) building, the positive vibe is infectious.  I love that the kids are whisked away to have own experience apart from the parents.  Most kids that we know have too many toys. The ability to pick and donate toys for those less fortunate is both profound and symbolic.  It also shows the kids that it’s not all about them – an important lesson in today’s day and age.

What does giving mean to you?
Community service is the rent we all pay for living.  We live in the greatest city and greatest country in the world, and by virtue of that I believe we have a lifelong responsibility to see that many people benefit from our good fortune.  This is the legacy that we should pass on to our kids, that we have a duty to help those less fortunate.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To be surrounded by good friends and family members in an environment where we can celebrate and have fun. I love lighthearted, random gatherings that go on for a long time.

Which living person do you most admire?
I truly admire my mom. She went through lots of adversity while we were growing up, and through it all she was still an incredible member of the community, an amazing mom, a terrific daughter and sister,  and a fantastic roll model not only for me and my sister but for everyone who interacts with her.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Nurses and teachers; they are grossly underpaid and under appreciated. In so many ways, the future of our country lies in the hands of nurses and teachers.

What is your dream job (other than the one that you have now)?

I would like to be the head of United Nations, so they can get their heads out of their asses to do what they were mandated to do in the first place.

What is the natural talent you would like to be gifted with?

Music. I would love to play an instrument, sing, or dance.  I can do none of these things.

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How did you come to be involved with Jacob’s Ladder?

I heard about Jacob’s Ladder from one of my employees. She mentioned what a family focused event the Gigantic Give was, and the wonderful work that they do. I love the idea of kids learning about what it means to be charitable and give back to their communities.

What does your affiliation with Jacob’s Ladder and (Jake’s Gigantic Give specifically) bring to you?

This is our first year participating in the event – and we are very much looking forward to being a part of it.As a family run business that produces natural food and organic snacks – we feel that it’s a great fit.We have donated to many charities over the years, and continue to do so- but as parents we are very committed to supporting kids in need.

What does giving mean to you? 

It means that I am fortunate enough to be able to make someone else smile – a blessing!

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

Being healthy, lots of laughter, good food and being surrounded with my family and great friends all while riding my motorcycle on a sunny day! (doubt that is all simultaneously possible but it is MY idea!)

Which living person do you most admire?

My mom (sorry dad)

Who are your heroes in real life? 

Those who are selfless and rich in spirit.

What is your dream job (other than the one that you have now)?

Taking over for Anthony Bourdain on No Reservations!

What is the natural talent you would like to be gifted with?

Anything – I don’t seem to have any – ok, singer!

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How did you come to be involved with Jacob’s Ladder?

We were introduced to Jacob’s Ladder by Lisa Borden from Borden Communications. Being such a great cause made it an easy decision (in fact it is an honour).

What does your affiliation with Jacob’s Ladder and (Jake’s Gigantic Give specifically) bring to you?

Supporting good causes is part of our corporate DNA. On a more personal level I feel that if you’re not giving back to your community you’re missing out on the big picture of life.

What does giving mean to you?

Giving is an acknowledgment that not all things are equal and that if one is to have, one must also be willing to share. In essence giving from the heart is love.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is a state of mind. One is happy when one has peace of mind and contentment within.

Which living person do you most admire?

Every living soul is a work in progress.  I admire people who see the glass is half-full and make the most out of the situation they are in.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Single parents! Being happily married, as a couple, we find it very challenging to deal with our healthy 6 year old. I just can imagine how a single parent does it.

What is your dream job (other than the one that you have now)?

Anthony Bourdain’s job, traveling the world tasting all the different foods and sucking up the local culture.

What is the natural talent you would like to be gifted with?

I would love to be able to play a musical instrument and communicate with people at an emotional non-verbal level.

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According to Baldini:

How did you come to be involved with Jacob’s Ladder?

I knew Jeff from high school – he’s a few years older than me, and then later in life we played pickup hockey every week, so I have always had a connection to Jeff.  A few years later, someone asked me to shoot photos at the Jacob’s Ladder Golf Tournament.  I happily accepted but I don’t even think I realized that Jacob was Ellen and Jeff’s son.  Later on in life we kept crossing paths, and as my magic career evolved, Ellen brought Jacob to my show at the Science Centre. – I get asked to do charity events all the time – but when Ellen asked I said unconditionally yes. I would do anything for Ellen, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day she can call me and I would be there.  Ellen has an amazing inner strength to be able to say I’m not going to let this get me down, and to be positive about everything – not only her life, but about my shows, my career and everyone else’s accomplishments.  She builds me up, and she is a true angel.

What does giving mean to you?

I got my MBA in 1993 and immediately I went to work for various marketing agencies. From there, I went out on my own and started my own marketing company.  I made a great living, I was quite successful and resigned to the fact that I would be in this business for life.  I got into magic 12 years ago as a hobby. I would use it on sales calls, to foster relationships, but I kept getting pulled back to the magic store, and magic has become my life.  I make far less money than I did in marketing, I got rid of my car, I often struggle to make rent because giving is invaluable to me.  There is no greater gift than putting a smile on someone’s face.  Giving is EVERYTHING.  It is my greatest satisfaction and my reason for being.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Having no strife in your life and being able to disengage from negative relationships (Joe Rogan’s energy vampires come to mind).  Being at peace.

Which living person do you most admire?

Ellen is up there for sure,  if not #1.   I also greatly admire my middle brother Howie.  He has an amazing story.  He was a shy kid who was sandwiched between 2 loudmouth brothers.  He struggled in school and we teased him terribly.  After many attempts, he got into law school and ended up at the top of his class, pursued by every law firm in the city.  And now, at the age of 41 he is the President and CEO of American Express Canada.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Ellen is a true hero – by virtue of her disposition. Most people in her circumstance wouldn’t lift it to the level that she has.  I also greatly admire Joe Rogan and Jon Stewart for their abilities to keep it real, stay calm and say exactly the right thing in the face of adversity.

What is your dream job?

What I’m doing right now.  I am living the dream

What is the natural talent you would like to be gifted with?

To make people smile, to be able to capture someone’s soul in a photograph, and to sing so well that I move someone to tears

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How did you come to be involved with Jacob’s Ladder?

Through my most incredible cousin Ellen and her husband Jeff…this is a cause near and dear!!!

What does your affiliation with Jacob’s Ladder and (Jake’s Gigantic Give specifically) bring to you?

A great sense of pride that through the life of Jacob whom we love that we are able to help in any way to improve care and treatment.

What does giving mean to you?
It is not worth having if you can’t share.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Way too deep a question!

Which living person do you most admire?

My wife Pam

Who are your heroes in real life?

JFK, Mohammad Ali and most of all my late father Harvey Albert

What is your dream job (other than the one that you have now)?

To be able to do Philanthropic work of my choosing.

What is the natural talent you would like to be gifted with?

I am very happy with what I am currently talented at.

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THEY DISCOVERED THE POWER OF GIVING…

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A letter of Gratitude from Children’s Aid Foundation

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 According to Dara:

How did you come to be involved with Jacob’s Ladder?

I was lucky enough to develop a friendship with Ellen through our youngest sons.  I knew from the moment that I met Jacob and the rest of the Schwartz’s that I wanted to be part of the magic, teaching and outreach!

What does your affiliation with Jacob’s Ladder and (Jake’s Gigantic Give specifically) bring to you?

I am so lucky that I get to spend 4 weeks at camp with Jacob.  Campers, staff and parents have watched him grow over the past 6 years.  I have watched campers, staff and parents develop incredible acceptance and passion for children with special needs.  It is one of the best parts of Bayview Glen Day Camp.

What does giving mean to you?

Giving means providing to others with no expectations of getting anything in return.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being healthy and loved!

Which living person do you most admire?

Lyn Gaetz, my former principal from John Ross Robertson

Who are your heroes in real life?

Firefighters

What is your dream job (other than the one that you have now)?

Emergency Doctor

What is the natural talent you would like to be gifted with?

Dancing or singing

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