Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. Unites Athletic Industry for 14th Annual On Our Feet Fundraising Gala

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foot Locker Foundation joined together with members of the athletic industry, as well as its business partners, on Tuesday, October 21, at New York City's Gotham Hall for the 14^th annual "On Our Feet" fundraising gala. The event will benefit educational and other youth initiatives supported by the Foot Locker Foundation.

"The On Our Feet gala is a true celebration of the significant contributions we are making together, with our incredible partners, to enrich the lives of deserving students across the country," said Ken C. Hicks, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Foot Locker, Inc. "Through the Foundation's meaningful educational initiatives, including The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program and our long-standing scholarship program with UNCF, and our support of programs that encourage health and well-being through physical activity, we understand the tremendous potential of our young leaders and are committed to investing in their futures."

Executives from the sports industry, professional athletes, and celebrities joined footwear companies, including Nike, adidas, Converse, Skechers and Under Armour, to name a few, to lend their support to this important cause. Celebrity guests, including JR Smith (NY Knicks Guard), Derek Fisher (NY Knicks Head Coach), Darryl Strawberry (Baseball Legend), and Kyra Sedgwick (Actress), were among those who attended the evening's festivities. All guests wore traditional black-tie attire while sporting their favorite pair of athletic shoes.

The Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. is the charitable arm of Foot Locker, Inc., a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,500 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Over the years, Foot Locker, Inc. has developed significant partnerships and programs to improve and enrich the educational, health and sports opportunities for children across the country, and has awarded over 750 scholarships to outstanding students through all of its programs. On Our Feet has raised more than $15 million to support our youth throughout the past 14 years.

Launched in 2011, the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program awards $20,000 college scholarships to 20 exceptional students (totaling $400,000) each year, who demonstrate academic excellence and exemplify strong leadership skills both in sports and within their communities.  Students can apply online or be nominated by teachers, coaches, mentors, family and friends by visiting footlockerscholarathletes.com. Applications close December 18, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. (EST). 

UNCF is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country.  

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SOURCE Foot Locker Foundation, Inc.