Hi everyone,

My name is Genine, and I’m raising funds for my dear friend Shannon Ponzio, who just experienced the sudden and devastating loss of her father, Bernard “Benny” Ponzio, on May 31st.

Benny wasn’t just a father—he was Shannon’s best friend, her rock, and “Pop Pop” to her four young children. He lived with them, helped raise the kids, and filled their home with love, laughter, and security. His loss has left a huge hole in their hearts and in their lives.

Benny was also a U.S. military veteran, and his wish was to be buried in New York, where his burial plot is waiting. He did not want to be cremated, but buried next to his family. But Shannon is facing enormous costs—funeral home fees, transport between Texas (where he passed) and New York, plus supporting her four kids alone now that her dad is gone.

Shannon has to take time off work and only 2 days paid time off and the bearvement leave is only 5 days. She’s doing everything herself: making arrangements, caring for her children, and trying to honor her father’s final wishes with no safety net.

We’re hoping to raise enough to:

Transport Benny to NY for a proper burial

Cover funeral and service costs

Help Shannon with rent, food, and essentials

Support her kids as they grieve their Pop Pop

If you can give anything—even $5—or share this with your network, you’d be making a real difference for this family during the hardest time of their lives.

Thank you for standing with them.

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