Robert De Niro, Robert F. Kennedy, Mary Louise Parker, and More Raise Money In Support of 9/11 Victims
Every year on the anniversary of 9/11 (or the first business day after), Cantor Fitzgerald remembers the 658 employees it lost during in the attack on the World Trade Center by hosting Charity Day. Celebrities come to make trades with clients, and 100 percent of the company's profits go toward causes ranging from Friends of Firefighters to Worldwide Orphans. It's part of the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund's commitment to creating a legacy for those who passed away.
This year's attendees included athletes such as Victor Cruz and Eli and Peyton Manning, models like Lily Aldridge, and actors, including Robert De Niro and Steve Buscemi.
For some celebrities, participating in the event was personal. Robert F. Kennedy, for example, was there in tribute to the friend he lost 15 years ago. "I had a very close friend who was killed on 9/11 and worked for Cantor Fitzgerald," he said. "So I feel it's a personal remembrance of him, George Morell, who was beloved."
Kennedy was there representing the Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit committed to protecting clean water around the world by holding corporate polluters accountable. He serves as the group's senior attorney.
"I feel like it's a privilege to be able to do what I do. I love my job and I love this work, and I love the advocacy. I love being in the middle of a fist-fight every day, which is what this is," he said.
Others were moved by the Relief Fund's mission.
"I love this event, I think it's the most inclusive and joyous fundraiser, and I love that they support so many diverse charities. But most of all, I love that it was born out of just an unspeakably tragic moment," said Mary Louise Parker, who was there in support of Sanctuary for Families.
"That someone at their lowest conceived of this idea...that people came together and created this, is so inspiring and beautiful."
The total funds raised in this year's Charity Day have yet to be released, but last year, the event raised $12 million for over 100 charities.
To learn more about the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, including how you can get involved, visit cantorrelief.org.
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