By RaeAnne Marsh
(January 2009)

The New York trading floor was packed with extra power on December 10, as Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Stanley Tucci and Matt Dillon were among the A-list thespians helping make Charity Day an historic high for ICAP, the world's premier interdealer broker. The day's take of US$16.3 million - decisively besting last year's impressive $13.7 million - will be distributed among more than 100 charities globally.

With offices worldwide, ICAP stretches the concept of a "one-day event," as its Charity Day starts at the company's furthest east facility and continues to defy sunset as it travels with the sun across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas until it reaches ICAP's westernmost site.

Julianne Moore

"I was thrilled to be involved in ICAP's Charity Day. They were so generous and so excited to be helping so many," said Julianne Moore. "It was really wonderful, in a year where there has been so much economic distress, to be with a group that focused on giving so wholeheartedly. Every one of us at the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance was so thankful to be included in their tremendous generosity. Thank you, thank you, ICAP!!"

ICAP, in turn, reflected the thanks back to the day's many participants. Said Michael Spencer, ICAP's CEO, "To raise over $16 million in one day is an incredible achievement, particularly in the current environment. It is the efforts of our customers, staff and supporters that made Charity Day 2008 such a fantastic success. Many needy people around the world will benefit form their efforts."

Only recently putting its hand in the movie biz with its launch of industry innovation Media Markets Division, ICAP is no novice in fundraising. Its blowout Charity Day has been an annual highlight since 1993, and has raised a total of more than $79 million. -MPM

Matt Dillon

For a full list of the charities ICAP's 2008 campaign supported, as well as information about how ICAP's donation will make a difference to the many lives receiving this aid, visit www.icapcharityday.com.

Photos courtesy of ICAP. Top: Meryl Streep championed both Partners in Health and Equality Now; middle: Julianne Moore; bottom: Matt Dillon, celeb spokesperson for both Goal USA and Refugees International .

Celebrity links courtesy of Internet Movie Database.