Wall Street Rides FAR Rings NYSE Closing Bell Ahead of Eleventh Annual Ride

Last week, Wall Street Rides FAR (for Autism Research)—the annual charity cycling and walking event benefiting the Autism Science Foundation (ASF)—kicked off its eleventh season with a celebratory ringing of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Closing Bell. The event, co-founded by IEX President Bryan Harkins and StoneX Director Melissa Harkins, has become a fixture in the financial community’s charitable calendar.

“Ringing the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange has become a meaningful tradition for the Autism Science Foundation and Wall Street Rides FAR, symbolizing our shared commitment to advancing innovative autism research,” said Alison Singer, President of the Autism Science Foundation. “We are extremely grateful to the NYSE for its continued generosity. Each year’s bell ringing plays a key role in building excitement across the Rides FAR community.”

Wall Street Rides FAR is part of the broader Rides FAR organization, which hosts a series of cycling and walking events benefiting ASF. The foundation supports cutting-edge autism research and provides resources to the public to increase awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders. It also assists scientists and organizations in conducting and disseminating critical research.

The 2025 event series will span New York, Toronto, and Chicago, with satellite rides planned for Miami and London. Each ride offers inclusive walking and cycling options for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Since its debut in 2015, the Ride has grown rapidly in terms of participation, sponsorship, and industry engagement.

“The support we’ve received from the greater Wall Street community has been nothing short of incredible,” said Melissa Harkins, co-chair of Wall Street Rides FAR. “It’s inspiring to see the reach of the event grow year after year, and to witness the continued commitment to such a critical cause.”

To date, Wall Street Rides FAR has raised more than $5 million for autism research. That support is more vital than ever as federal funding continues to shrink.

“Fundraising for medical research—especially autism—is particularly urgent this year,” said Singer. “Over $80 million in annual federal funding has been cut since February. For the autism community, it couldn’t come at a worse time. We’ve made tremendous scientific strides over the past decade, and the Wall Street Rides FAR donations ensure that momentum continues.”

As public research budgets tighten, private foundations like ASF play an increasingly critical role in sustaining research efforts and supporting scientific advancement.

One group especially attuned to this urgency is the Security Traders Association (STA), which named ASF its official 2025 Charity of Choice. KeyBanc Capital Markets Managing Director Julie Andress, who is also the 2025 STA Board Chair and a newly appointed board member of Rides FAR, served as the official bell ringer at the NYSE.

“KeyBank is celebrating two centuries of service to clients, teammates, and communities. Our mission is to help our clients and communities thrive,” said Andress. “I am honored to support Wall Street Rides FAR to help the Autism Science Foundation provide funding for autism research and to enhance the quality of life for children and adults currently affected.”

“ASF’s work is more important than ever, and we are honored to once again lend STA’s support,” said STA Assistant Vice President Erin Kelly, who also took part in the bell-ringing ceremony. “The foundation’s mission resonates deeply with a great number of our members, including those personally affected by autism, many of whom Alison has provided guidance to directly.”

Corporate sponsors also emphasized the importance of this year’s ride.

“We’re proud to participate annually in Wall Street Rides FAR,” said Robyn Levitt, Global Head of Human Resources at Tower Research Capital. “It’s a highlight each year for the Tower team—a fun and meaningful way to bond with our Tower colleagues and with peers in the industry while supporting an important cause.”

Beyond trading firms like Tower, the event draws broad participation from leading exchanges, banks, asset managers, crypto companies, tech providers, and service vendors (see full list of sponsors here). Firms and individuals interested in joining can find sign-up information here.

The 2025 ride schedule kicks off on September 27 in Chicago and Toronto, with the New York ride slated for October 4.

As Wall Street Rides FAR enters its eleventh year, its continued expansion reflects a broader recognition across the financial industry of the crucial role private philanthropy plays in supporting autism research. At a time of shrinking public support, the Rides FAR community continues to show what’s possible when firms, families, and foundations unite to drive real impact—one mile at a time.