Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. Unites Athletic Industry for 17th Annual On Our Feet Fundraising Gala

"As a company, we are committed to empowering today's youth through meaningful educational and sports initiatives," said Dick Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Foot Locker, Inc. "We are proud that this signature event has become an important platform to support funding for programs such as The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program and our long-standing relationship with UNCF, allowing incredible student athletes the ability to attain higher education and become successful leaders."

Executives from the sports industry, professional athletes, and celebrities joined athletic footwear and apparel companies including Nike, Converse, adidas, Puma and Under Armour, to name a few, to lend their support to this important cause. Celebrity guests, including Bernie Williams (NY Yankees Legend), Jason Pierre-Paul (NY Giants), Dascha Polanco (Actress), Laurie Hernandez (Olympic Gold Medalist), Larry Johnson (NBA Legend), and Frank Ntilikina (NY Knicks), were among those who attended the evening's festivities. All guests wore traditional black-tie attire while sporting their favorite pair of sneakers.

The Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. is the charitable arm of Foot Locker, Inc., a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,400 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Over the years, the Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. has developed significant partnerships and programs to improve and enrich the educational, health and sports opportunities for young people across the country, and has awarded over 950 scholarships to outstanding students through all of its programs. In total, On Our Feet has raised more than $18 million since its inception.

Launched in 2011, the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program each year awards $20,000 college scholarships to 20 exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence and exemplify strong leadership skills both in sports and within their communities.  In addition, one of the 20 students selected will be awarded the Ken C. Hicks Scholarship in honor of the organization's former Chairman and CEO, and will receive an additional $5,000 for exemplifying superior academic achievement, personal passion, and a true love of the game.  Students can apply online or be nominated by teachers, coaches, mentors, family or friends by visiting footlockerscholarathletes.com. Applications close December 15, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. (EST). 

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) 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 and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in."^® Learn more at www.uncf.org.

SOURCE Foot Locker Foundation, Inc.