San Francisco, CA --- Up and on the road before the sun rose on Saturday morning, the Academy of Art University Athletics Department donated their time and services last weekend during the 9th annual Arthritis Walk.

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 50 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability.

Two groups of student-athletes and coaches volunteered their time to help out with such a great cause. The Urban Knights arrived early to help set up the event; placing mile markers along the course, setting out tables and chairs, and putting out food and drinks for the participants.

As the race began, groups of student-athletes were there to hand out water bottles and snacks to the hundreds of registered runners. 

The Academy of Art did its part in an effort to raise more than $75,000 towards increased awareness and funding research to fight arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability. Women's basketball, men's and women's golf, and track & field were apart of the Livermore chapter who raised more than $65,000 alone. While men's basketball, volleyball and women's soccer helped guide more than 600 participants who raised over $40,000 here in San Francisco.

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. The mission of the Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

Their rallying cry, "Let's Move Together", is a nationwide movement that encourages people to move daily for better health to prevent or treat arthritis. Moving just 30 minutes per day can ease joint pain, improve mobility and reduce fatigue. It was the perfect venue for the Urban Knights to lend a helping hand.






                             Livermore Group