In pictures: Celebs take to the trading floor at BGC’s September 11 Charity Day
It's currently 11:42 am on Monday, September 11th, 2023, and we're here to share some exciting updates with you!
Famous individuals who have made a name for themselves in entertainment and sports gathered in Canary Wharf today to participate in BGC Partners' yearly charitable activity. Top-tier celebrities suspended their usual work to confirm transactions worth millions of pounds on the trading floor.
Celebrities such as Rio Ferdinand, Clare Balding, and Davina McCall were seen conducting worldwide transactions on BGC's trade floors.
The current yearly custom originated from the tragic incidents of September 11.
BGC emerged in 2004 from Cantor Fitzgerald, a company that suffered the loss of 658 individuals during the World Trade Center attacks.
The head of operations, Sean Windeatt, informed City A.M. that the charity event held every year was established to "craft a magnificent thing from the disastrous events" of 2001.
Initially, the company contributed towards the relatives of their employees who had unfortunately passed away and also towards the immediate response teams in New York.
Sadie Frost, a high-profile celebrity at the event, expressed to City A.M. how significant the day was to her. It was a means of generating funds for a charitable cause that holds a deep place in her heart.
Over a period of time, BGC chose to offer financial aid to various charitable organizations, with a specific emphasis on smaller and nearby charities. Consequently, the company has accumulated over $200 million for philanthropic causes.
The company gives away all the money it makes in a day of trading to charitable organizations.
Charity day encompasses two elements - upon awakening, you recollect the events that occurred and you reflect privately on them. Once you step into your workplace, the atmosphere is lively, as everyone collaborates to raise as many funds as they can for charity," said Windeatt.
Several other famous individuals participated, including Dexter Fletcher, Sir Trevor Brooking, Ledley King (formerly the captain of Tottenham Hotspur), and many more.
I am very pleased to participate in @BGCCharityDay, where I will be working on the trading floor to help raise funds for the Mayor's Fund for London and other charities. This event is held in memory of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 New York terrorist attacks and it is a great honor to be a part of such a meaningful cause.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was in attendance and remarked to City A.M. that the day was a momentous event.
