Wall Street Looks to Raise $1.5MM for NYC Youth Through Trading Day for Kids

MINNEAPOLIS and NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Youth, I.N.C. (Improving Nonprofits for Children) announced today that Piper Jaffray (NYSE: PJC), a leading global middle market investment bank and institutional securities firm, will sponsor Trading Day for Kids for a third consecutive year.  With an ongoing commitment towards helping worthy causes nationwide, Piper Jaffray will donate 100 percent of commissions on designated equity trades to Youth, I.N.C. on October 20.  The proceeds will benefit Youth, I.N.C.'s 41 youth–serving nonprofit partner organizations and over 100,000 kids across New York City.

Now in its sixth year, Trading Day for Kids has engaged more than 390 institutional investors and raised nearly $6.5 million for Youth, I.N.C.'s capacity-building programs.  Institutional investors can support Trading Day for Kids by directing all equity trading activities on October 20 to Piper Jaffray and designating "Youth, I.N.C." as the beneficiary of trading commissions.

"Trading Day for Kids allows the corporate community to give back to promising charities looking to build their capacity and serve more youth.  We are proud to be able to continue our relationship with Youth, I.N.C.," said Thomas Schnettler, President and Chief Operating Officer of Piper Jaffray.  "We believe that Youth, I.N.C. is a tremendously effective organization that is vital to helping these small organizations achieve long-term sustainability, and we encourage the financial community to support this cause."

In conjunction with Trading Day, Piper Jaffray will host a "Mentor Day" on October 18.  Thirty high school students representing three of Youth, I.N.C.'s partner organizations, including CampInteractive, FIVER Children's Foundation, and Trail Blazers, will spend the day at the firm.  Students will have the opportunity to meet with Piper Jaffray executives and a panel of representatives from the firm's capital markets, investment banking, and research divisions to learn about the financial services industry and the firm's day-to-day business activities.

"Trading Day for Kids embodies Youth, I.N.C.'s mission of linking talent and resources from the for-profit sector with promising nonprofits.  We are honoured that Piper Jaffray is partnering with us for a third year," said Steve Orr, Executive Director and Founder of Youth, I.N.C.  "The contributions and commitment from Piper Jaffray have been remarkable and we are truly appreciative of their ongoing efforts to improve the lives of deserving youth in New York City."

For more information about participating in the 2011 Trading Day for Kids, please visit http://www.youthinc-usa.org/tradingday

About Youth, I.N.C.

Through the use of a unique venture philanthropy model that empowers, develops, and educates nonprofit organizations serving young people, Youth, I.N.C. guides grassroots organizations toward long-term sustainability.  Since inception, Youth, I.N.C. has raised $37 million for youth, empowered 96 nonprofits, and impacted the lives of nearly 600,000 kids.  To learn more about Youth, I.N.C. and Trading Day for Kids visit:  www.youthinc-usa.org.

About Piper Jaffray

Piper Jaffray is a leading middle-market investment bank and asset management firm serving clients in the U.S. and internationally.  A proven advisory team combines deep industry, product, and sector expertise with ready access to global capital.  Founded in 1895, the firm is headquartered in Minneapolis and has offices across the United States and in London, Hong Kong and Zurich. www.piperjaffray.com

SOURCE Youth, I.N.C.