Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk Celebrates 15th Anniversary With More Than $3 Million Raised for Kids
LOS ANGELES, November 01, 2023 — The 15th Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk celebrated a monumental event, raising over $3 million for children with special needs, public education, and national scholarships. Since its inception in 2009, the walk has garnered over $24 million in donations, making it a significant milestone for the annual event. Thousands of participants, including celebrities such as Brooke Burke, Mr. T, and Amanda Kloots, contributed to the cause, supported by Presenting Sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union and over 100 generous businesses and donors.
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk is the largest event of its kind in California, historically supporting children with special needs and education. The funds raised from the 3.5-mile walk go towards the future Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family / Skechers Center) — a $55 million, 3.25-acre facility set to offer a life-changing community for friendship and learning. The campus, planned for completion by the end of 2025, will feature vocational programs, a Creative Arts Center, Culinary Institute, Recreation Center, Life Skills programming, early education, and mentoring opportunities.
Michael Greenberg, founder of the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, expressed his gratitude and commitment to making a positive impact, stating, “It’s been my greatest joy to make a difference through philanthropy, especially the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. For over 15 years, I’ve seen thousands of our children form friendships, mature into young adults, realize their purpose, set out into the world—all the while knowing that we are here for them, behind them.”
The event featured performances from Madison Taylor Baez, Young Selena singer and America’s Got Talent golden buzzer winner, Team Siwa’s pop group XOMG POP!, and the teen group FuturePop. Celebrities including Brooke Burke and Mr. T added their voices in support of the cause.
Brooke Burke, fitness encourager, and television host highlighted the significance of friendship, stating, “Friendship is the thread that connects every human. It inspires us to make the impossible possible. And it’s the constant I’ve seen over the 12 years I’ve supported this walk.”
Mr. T, actor and icon, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Every kid has room to grow—there are no ceilings to what any person can learn and achieve. And what an amazing, special day this community has made to help them on their way.”
The Friendship Campus will also be home to the new headquarters for the Friendship Foundation, an organization that celebrates uniqueness and encourages acceptance for all with diverse abilities. The Foundation offers over 60 in-person programs, including art, music, fitness, sign language, science, social-emotional wellness, and yoga, supporting communities locally and across the United States.
Apart from supporting special needs children, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk also contributes to public school education foundations, aiding in reducing class sizes, updating labs, libraries, and facilities, and protecting teachers’ jobs. The Skechers Foundation’s national scholarship program allocates a portion of the proceeds to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership, donating over $1.1 million in scholarships to date.
The event thanked Presenting Sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union and all sponsors for their commitment to supporting children. To watch this year’s Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and learn more about the event, visit skechersfriendshipwalk.com or YouTube, and follow the Walk on Facebook and Instagram.
About Skechers Foundation Established in 2010, the Skechers Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities to ensure the health, success, and well-being of youth worldwide. The Foundation invests in a global network of charitable organizations, embracing individuals with diverse abilities, improving education, empowering disadvantaged families, and providing humanitarian, disaster, and economic relief.
About Skechers USA, Inc. Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (NYSE: SKX) is a Fortune 500® company based in Southern California, designing, developing, and marketing a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children. Collections from The Comfort Technology Company™ are available in 180 countries and territories through various channels, including digital and physical retail stores.
About Kinecta Federal Credit Union Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, Kinecta Federal Credit Union is one of the country’s largest credit unions, serving over 270,000 members. With assets of $6.7 billion, Kinecta offers a full range of financial products and services, operating branches in multiple states, including New York, New Jersey, Northern California, and Florida. The credit union is recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, receiving awards for its residential leadership and technological advancements.