Why I'm Going Over The Edge

On May 23rd, I'm rappelling down the side of the CIBC building in downtown Windsor, 15 stories, to raise money for the Windsor Cancer Foundation . Every dollar raised stays right here in Windsor, supporting local patients, local families, and local research.

I'm doing it with three of the most important people in my life: my best friend since we were four years old and former business partner, Brian R. Bondy; my brother and business partner, Rob Puzzuoli; and Brian's 17-year-old son Ronnie, who's stepping off that roof right alongside us, a third generation of the Bondy family showing up for this fight.

I'm doing this for two men who shaped who I am.

My Nonno, Antonio (Gino) Puzzuoli, was my hero. He's the one who leaves me dimes from the heavens, and if you knew him, you'd understand why I still find them at exactly the right moments. He was the kind of grandfather who made you feel ten feet tall just by being proud of you. Cancer took him too.

Ronald Bondy Sr. was Brian's dad, but he was my second dad too. From the time I was a little kid hanging around the Bondy house, he treated me like one of his own. The kind of man who showed up, who made you feel like you belonged, who left an imprint on everyone lucky enough to know him. Cancer took him, and the world got a little smaller when it did.

Two men. Same disease. Same hole left behind.

So Brian, his son, Rob, and I are stepping off the roof of a 15-story building because sitting still isn't an option. Every dollar raised goes to the Windsor Cancer Foundation, and stays in Windsor. That means your donation helps your neighbors, your coworkers, your family. The people fighting this right here, right now.

If Ron or Gino meant something to you too, or if you've lost someone to this, or if you just want to back four of us doing something a little ridiculous for a reason that matters, please donate. 

Anything helps. Share this. Tell someone.

I'll see you on the other side of the building.

Ben Puzzuoli

Not a Pour Decision