The Foundation also reflects the character of its first trustee, Arthur D. Cashin, Jr., who established it in Joan's memory. On Wall Street, Arthur was known as much for his generosity as for his market wisdom — as widely admired for his compassion as for his intelligence. His instinct was to bring people together, to help when help was needed, and to turn personal grief into service for others.
Since its inception through the end of 2025, the Joan Perkowski Cashin Foundation has provided more than $2.5 million to organizations and causes that reflect Joan's love and spirit. Its giving has supported the kinds of work that defined Joan's life: care for the sick, encouragement for children and families, education, faith, human services, and quiet help offered where it can do real good.
Exchange Christmas Dinner Fund
That spirit was visible long before the Foundation was created. In 1982, Arthur founded the Exchange Christmas Dinner Fund, which provided holiday meals to underprivileged families across New York City. The fund ran for nearly two decades and, at its peak, fed more than 185,000 people in a single year. In 1987, it received a special citation from President Ronald Reagan in recognition of its impact.
NYSE Fallen Heroes Fund
After the September 11 attacks, Arthur chaired the NYSE Fallen Heroes Fund, helping raise more than $6 million for the families of first responders who lost their lives. The fund provided critical financial support to the families of New York City police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, offering both immediate relief and ongoing assistance during their darkest hours.
Together, these efforts show a consistent legacy: a life on Wall Street marked not only by insight and tradition, but by compassion, loyalty, and a deep commitment to helping others.
Arthur was an individual who reached out and helped others in need. His compassion was shown through his love of giving.
— From tributes upon his passing
