According to Ellen: I can’t even imagine a Jacob’s Ladder event without the Amazing Baldini making us all smile. For 12 years Baldini has been there at every event engaging and entertaining all of our young and young at heart attendees. He’s our magical friend with a magical heart.

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