Although the economy is suffering, charitable giving is still taking place on Wall Street. Trading firm BTIG had its seventh commissions for charity day in May and raised $3 million – up on the $2 million raised last year, and a record raise for BTIG.
More celebrities than ever filled its trading floor in New York to answer the phones and raise money for their charities. Michael J Fox, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, Yankees star Johnny Damon and baseball hall of famer Reggie Jackson were among many celebrities who squeezed in with children and media as BTIG’s traders tried to carry on with their day jobs.
"We weren’t sure this year about doing it because of the economy, but in the end we realized any donation would be better than none," says BTIG co-founder Steven Starker. "Given the market was quite quiet that day and volumes low, it really was extraordinary to be able to raise so much. It’s a testament to our clients’ support for the charities, and the charities themselves for making the extra effort this year."