28 Oct Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk Raises over $1.4 Million
The Skechers Foundation announced that it has reached a new donation record for the 2015 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk – surpassing this year’s $1.2 million goal to raise more than $1.4 million for children with special needs and education. Co-sponsored by Nickelodeon and elevated by the support of generous sponsor events like Steel Partners’ #P2PSteelSports Selfie Challenge donation pledge, the Walk drew more than 12,000 participants, and continues to reach new attendance and donation highs annually since its 2009 launch.
“The wave of support that climbs year after year in honor of our kids is incredible,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “When we started the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk seven years ago, 1,800 of us hit the beach to raise $220,000 – and since then, our walkers have grown six-fold – with more than $5.5 million donated over the years, all dedicated to enrich and inspire our children.”
Many celebrities turned out to support the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, including boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard in his first appearance at the event, as well as TV personality Brooke Burke-Charvet, fitness expert Denise Austin, and Hall of Fame baseball manager Tommy Lasorda, who have all made multiple appearances throughout its history.
Sharing his thoughts on the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, Sugar Ray Leonard said, “When you say kids to me, I’m there. This is my first, but believe me – this will not be my last.” Added Brooke Burke-Charvet: “The Skechers family has had a vision, and it keeps growing. It is so amazing to see everyone come out. Together, we make a difference and we increase the power of community.”
“I have a deep appreciation for our volunteers, our celebs, our community, and our incredible sponsors like Nickelodeon, Steel Sports and so many amazing corporations with a conscience who come together year after year to make the world a better place for our children,” added Greenberg. “This event means that kids with special needs and students from kindergarten to high school are getting the care, support and nurturing they need to grow into inspired, enlightened, confident adults – and over seven years, we’re already seeing its long-term effects: from the lessons our kids have learned in classes that would have been shelved, to friendships that will last a lifetime. This Walk and everything that it gives is a wonderful legacy – one we will share for years to come.”
Now one of the largest events in Southern California supporting children with special needs and education, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk supports The Friendship Circle, an organization that assists children with special needs and their families through one-on-one peer mentoring and social recreational programming – as well as funding education foundations to retain vital academic programs, maintain smaller class sizes, improve libraries, and upgrade school technology.
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks presenting sponsor Nickelodeon and many generous sponsors including Wells Fargo, Steel Sports, South Bay Vein and Laser Group, The Claudette and Ethan Rickett Care Foundation, Ross, Zappos.com, Tour de Pier, DIRECTV, United Legwear & Underwear Co., Body Glove, Kids Foot Locker, United Legwear, JAKKS Pacific, Marshalls, Cushman & Wakefield, Caskey & Caskey, Siltanen & Partners Advertising, Continental Development, Northrop Grumman, Equinox, Chevron, and many others who have provided funds and support to provide a better future for children. To learn more about the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, please visit skechersfriendshipwalk.com or facebook.com/SkechersFriendshipWalk.
Skechers Foundation
The Skechers Foundation was established to provide families around the world with the necessities and skills to succeed in life. In addition to organizing the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, the Skechers Foundation funds tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide education and job training, shoes, clothing, fitness and nutrition guidance to communities in need.
The Friendship Circle
The Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization that assists children with special needs and their families through one-on-one peer mentoring and social recreational programming (www.gotfriends.com).