Celebrities From A-Rod to Whoopi Mark 9/11 Charity Day in New York

Hollywood celebrities, models and athletes spent Friday at financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald, commemorating the lives lost in the 9/11 attacks and raising money for good causes. Cantor Fitzgerald lost 658 employees in the terrorist attacks fourteen years ago. Each year on September 11th, Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Partners hold what's known as Charity Day, a fundraising event that turns a tragic anniversary into a positive event. ‘It’s a day of reflection,’ explained Bill Nichols, Head of U.S. Equities at Cantor. ‘If we raise a little money to help out some other folks along the way, then we can turn something good out of what’s a tough day.’ Charity Day raises millions for various charities, who send celebrity ambassadors to Cantor's trading floor to mingle and speak with clients on the phone. ‘I think it’s important to remember that this event happened as a response to what happened on 9/11, and to benefit some of the families that were directly impacted by this horrible day,’ said Yankee’s player Alex Rodriguez, also known as A-Rod. Many of the celebrities were repeat participants in Charity Day. Several actors with New York roots also attended, including Edie Falco, Steve Buscemi and Ed Burns. Celebrities applauded Cantor Fitzgerald for its fundraising efforts. ‘They took the biggest hit, and yet they continue to give to everybody else,’ said actress Whoopi Goldberg. Charity Day has raised over $113 million since its inception. All of Cantor Fitzgerald’s trading day revenues are donated to charities on this day.