The Foot Locker Foundation joined together members of the athletic industry, as well as their partners, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at New York City's Gotham Hall for the 15th annual “On Our Feet” fundraising gala. The event will benefit educational and other youth initiatives supported by the Foot Locker Foundation.
(To the right, Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz and Prince Amukamara lend support at Foot Locker's On Our Feet gala.)
“For the past 15 years, the On Our Feet gala has epitomized the profound effect we can have when we join together, with our partners and friends, to support a significant cause,” said Dick Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Foot Locker, Inc. “Our Foundation's mission is to promote a better world for today's youth through unique educational and sports initiatives. Through programs such as The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program and our long-standing scholarship program with UNCF, we are recognizing the potential of talented young leaders, many of whom do not have the financial means to attend college, and are 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 Odell Beckham Jr. (NY Giants), Victor Cruz (NY Giants), Prince Amukamara (NY Giants), Christie Brinkley (Model, Actress), and Ryan Fitzpatrick (NY Jets), 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 3,500 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 youth across the country, and has awarded over 850 scholarships to outstanding students through all of its programs. On Our Feet has raised more than $16 million to support our youth throughout the past 15 years.
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. This year, one of the 20 students will be awarded the Ken C. Hicks Scholarship in honor of the organization's former Chairman and CEO, who played an instrumental role in the development of the program. The scholarship recipient will receive an additional $5,000 (for a total of $25,000) for exemplifying elevated 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 17, 2015 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.
