The Skechers Foundation announced that more than $750,000 was raised for children with special needs and education through Sunday's Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. The 2012 donations were significantly higher than last year’s total of $580,000, thanks to the record number of walkers, more than 8,500 people, and the many donations by local and national businesses, including presenting sponsor Nickelodeon.
“Four years ago when the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk began we had 2,200 people come out; now we’ve surpassed 8,500 walkers in 2012, which is a testament to the compassion and dedication of our community,” said Skechers president Michael Greenberg. “The $750,000 we raised through this year’s walk will help many children with special needs continue to thrive through the Friendship Circle programs; it’s inspiring to see what a big impact small gestures can make. Many education foundations that are in dire need of funding will also benefit from the money we’ve raised through this year’s walk.”
The 3.4 mile walk from the Manhattan Beach Pier to the Hermosa Beach Pier and back was hosted by fitness expert Denise Austin, who rallied the crowd before the walk. Legendary Hall of Fame baseball manager Tommy Lasorda also spoke about the importance of giving back to make a positive impact in the community, and Dancing with the Stars co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet congratulated Skechers and all the walkers for making a difference to help children with special needs and for supporting education foundations.
In addition to presenting sponsor Nickelodeon, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship walk thanks it’s generous sponsors True Religion, Wells Fargo, DIRECTV, WSS, Michael Stars, Kids Foot Locker, Ross, Body Glove, Marshalls, Murad, Chevron, Fresh Brothers, Union Bank, Equinox, Travel Store, Bobeli Screen Printing, Premier Displays and Exhibits, Viva International Group, Adjmi Apparel Group, Bel Air Investments, Dabsan International, O'Melveny & Myers, Diners Club International, Tashman, Mathnasium, United Legwear, Steel Excel and countless others who have provided funds and support to make a difference in children’s lives. For more information about the
