The Foot Locker Foundation joined together members of the athletic industry for its 18^th annual "On Our Feet" fundraising gala. The event, which took place on Tuesday 23^rd of October at New York City's Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, benefits educational and other youth initiatives supported by the Foot Locker Foundation.

"High tuition and student debt should not stop anyone from pursuing their dreams of higher education", said Dick Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Foot Locker, adding: "This signature event enables us to provide funding for programs such as the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program and our long-standing partnership with UNCF, and reinforces our commitment to inspire and empower today's youth to become leaders of tomorrow."

Executives from the sports industry, professional athletes, and celebrities joined athletic footwear and apparel companies including Nike, Converse, adidas, Fila, Puma and Under Armour, amongst others, to lend their support to this cause.

The Foot Locker Foundation is the charitable arm of Foot Locker, Inc., a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3 270 stores in 25 countries in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Over the years, the Foot Locker Foundation 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 1 000 scholarships to outstanding students through all of its programs. In total, On Our Feet has raised more than 19 million US dollars since its inception.

Launched in 2011, the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program annually awards 20 000 US dollars 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 US dollars 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.

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.