SKECHERS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF GIVING AT THIS MONTH’S SKECHERS PIER TO PIER FRIENDSHIP WALK FOR KIDS
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, presented by Kinecta Federal Credit Union, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a fundraising goal of $2.5 million for youth with special needs, public schools and national college scholarships. This year’s special anniversary on Sunday, October 29th, will celebrate beautiful friendships with celebrities Brooke Burke, Mr. T and Amanda Kloots as the charity event launches a new era of fundraising for the next generation of children.
“Over 15 years, our Walk has changed the lives of thousands of kids. Back in 2009, a passionate, devoted group of friends set their minds to giving children with diverse needs more access to programs, better education, and friendship. Today, we are making an indelible impact on children, families, volunteers, and companies that support our work,” said Michael Greenberg, founder of the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. “There is so much to be grateful for. Together, we have created a vibrant Friendship Foundation and have laid the groundwork for our upcoming world-class Friendship Campus, which will serve individuals with physical and intellectual diversities; a lifeline fund that has transformed our public schools; and a national college scholarship program that has turned dreams into reality for high-achieving students who might not otherwise be able to afford college.
“Fundamentally, the Walk has also taught our children that any obstacle is surmountable when you are passionate, committed and determined—knowledge they will have for the rest of their lives. Our 15th anniversary is a tremendous milestone, and nothing makes me happier than celebrating this beautiful day that allows all of us to give back, with love and gratitude, to the children in our world.”
“It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish—that’s what I tell the kids, and that’s why I’m proud to be part of this year’s Walk,” said actor and icon Mr. T. “I used to work as a teacher’s assistant in the Board of Education, where I could guide students who had a lot of potential but needed help to get there. All kids can succeed when they’ve got the right tools and support. I’m proud to join Brooke, Amanda and the thousands who will be part of this event for our children. Our kids work hard and we should have their backs, every single day.”
Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk donations support the future Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family / Skechers Center)—a $55 million, 3.25-acre campus that will offer a life-changing community for friendship and learning. Planned for completion by year-end 2025, the facility will include numerous vocational programs including a Creative Arts Center, Culinary Institute, Recreation Center, Life Skills programming, and early education and mentoring opportunities, giving young adults the tools to transition to the workforce and find lifelong passion and purpose.
The Campus will also be home to the new headquarters for the Friendship Foundation, which offers companionship, celebrates uniqueness and encourages acceptance for all with diverse abilities. The organization offers 60+ in-person programs such as art, music, fitness, sign language, science, social emotional wellness and yoga, as well as pop-up programs like virtual scavenger hunts and talent shows that are free for anyone to attend locally and across the United States.
Academically, the Walk supports public school education foundations—reducing class sizes, updating labs, libraries and facilities and protecting teachers’ jobs. The Skechers Foundation’s national scholarship program also gives a portion of Walk proceeds to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership, donating more than $1.1 million in scholarships to date.
“Kinecta has been an active community partner in the South Bay for over 80 years, and giving back is a big part of what we do,” said Keith Sultemeier, president and chief executive officer of Kinecta, which will sponsor a Financial Empowerment Academy at the new Friendship Campus. “At Kinecta, we are committed to the future success of our community, and we believe this requires investing in our youth through education. We’re proud to continue as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and support local public schools and education foundations.”
Featuring a cast of performers including Young Selena singer and America’s Got Talent golden buzzer winner Madison Taylor Baez, Team Siwa’s pop group XOMG POP! and teen group FuturePop, the Walk has been supported by numerous celebrities and athletes including Sugar Ray Leonard, Tony Romo, Howie Long, Meb Keflezighi, Jimmy Kimmel, Denise Austin, Kelly Brooke, Ellen K, Camila Alves-McConaughey, and dozens of Young Hollywood celebrities from Nickelodeon, Disney, Netflix, Apple TV+ and Hulu, including Logan Shroyer, Dani Bowman, Lily Brooks O’Briant and more.
Sponsors and walkers are welcome to sign up in person at the event or online at skechersfriendshipwalk.com. Participants can also follow the event on Facebook, X and Instagram.
In addition to Presenting Sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks all of its sponsors, including Nickelodeon, Rare Beauty, Schwartz Family Foundation, Steel Sports, United Legwear & Apparel Co., Big 5 Sporting Goods, Petco Love, TJX Companies, Chevron, Bank of America, Ross Stores, Barco, Dakine, Vertra, LA Kings, LA Dodgers, McCarthy, LA Angels, Continental Development, WSS, Turkish Airlines, Cushman & Wakefield and many more companies that are committed to supporting our children.
