BGC Partners, Inc. selected the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) to be one of their 2008 Charity Day recipients. BGC's Charity Day was originally conceived as a way to raise money for the Cantor Relief Fund, by donating a full day's global brokerage commissions to the Fund. Today the event has evolved and funds raised now also go to dozens of other worthy causes around the world.
In 2007 BGC raised over $6 million globally. In New York the event is held in their Wall Street offices, with invited celebrity guests acting as brokers for the day. With the guidance of BGC's licensed brokers, they carry out actual trades of bonds, foreign exchange and other financial instruments with BGC clients- Wall Street's biggest banks. On September 11, 2008, Sean Landeta- retired NY Giants punter, Tiki Barber- retired NY Giants running back and current Today Show correspondent, and Rich Monteleone- NY Yankees Special Pitching Instructor represented FARA on the trading floor for Charity Day.
BGC Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq: BGCP) is one of the world’s leading inter-dealer brokers. The company was formed as Cantor Fitzgerald rebuilt after the World Trade Center attacks, and was separated from Cantor in 2004. Daniel M. LaVecchia, Executive Managing Director for the Americas at BGC commented, "We're delighted to be supporting FARA at BGC's fourth annual Charity Day. In just a decade, FARA has made enormous strides towards better understanding and finding a cure for Friedreich's Ataxia. We're very pleased to be able to help them advance this cause."
Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. Onset of symptoms can vary from childhood to adulthood and includes loss of coordination and balance as well as muscle loss and fatigue. Additional complications of FA can include diabetes, scoliosis (severe curvature of the spine), and cardiomyopathy (a serious heart condition).
Jennifer Farmer, Executive Director for FARA, stated, “On a day marked by tragedy, BGC pays tribute to those lost by engaging in acts of service and giving. Charity Day honors the past by making a difference in communities today. FARA is grateful for BGC's support of our efforts to improve FA patients quality of life through research into treatments and a cure for FA.”
About FARA
The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to accelerating research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreich's ataxia. http://www.CureFA.org
Contact:
Jennifer Farmer
Executive Director, FARA
(484) 875 3015
