Skechers USA, Inc. announced that legendary Hall of Fame baseball manager Tommy Lasorda, Dancing with the Stars co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet, and fitness expert Denise Austin will host the fourth annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk on Sunday, October 28. Each celebrity shares a long history with Skechers; Lasorda – a loyal friend of the Company for many years – will appear in a new Skechers ad campaign later this fall, and both Burke-Charvet and Austin have supported the Company's footwear collections as celebrity endorsees.
Skechers president Michael Greenberg with celebrity hosts Tommy Lasorda, Brooke Burke-Charvet and De …
Skechers president Michael Greenberg with celebrity hosts Tommy Lasorda, Brooke Burke-Charvet and Denise Austin. (Photo: Business Wire)
Skechers is anticipating 10,000 participants at this year's Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, which is presented by Nickelodeon, and will aim to surpass the $600,000 fundraising total from 2011. Since its 2009 launch, the walk has raised $1.2 million to help retain vital educational programs, maintain smaller class sizes, upgrade school technology, as well as support The Friendship Circle – a non-profit organization that assists children with special needs and their families through one-on-one peer mentoring and social programming (www.gotfriends.com).
“We are thrilled that Tommy, Brooke and Denise are hosting this year's walk and devoting their time to help the Skechers Foundation raise awareness and funds for these important causes,” said Skechers president Michael Greenberg. “Schools rely on this additional funding to maintain valuable programs that are constantly threatened by budget cuts, and the Friendship Circle creates a life-changing environment that not only helps children with special needs, but also influences teen volunteers to become caring mentors who give back to the community. These children are the future of our nation, so it's crucial that we step up and provide the financial support they need to succeed.”
“When I participated in last year's Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, it made such a dramatic impact on me that I was compelled to return this year and show my support,” said Brooke Burke-Charvet. “These kids are truly inspiring, and watching them join together to save our schools and support children with special needs is such a great example for other communities across the country. I hope people recognize what Skechers has accomplished through the Pier to Pier Walk, and it compels them to show support for this important cause on a national level.”
Traveling from the Manhattan Beach Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier and back, the 3.4-mile walk will include performances from local school bands, cheerleading teams and free activities for the entire family:
8 AM Check-in and registration
Sponsor exhibitions and Kids Fun Zone activities
9 AM Opening Ceremony Celebration at Manhattan Beach Pier
10 AM Walk begins
The Pier to Pier Walk will also be followed by the 22nd annual World Famous Pumpkin Races at the Manhattan Beach Pier.
Individuals, families, team leaders and team members can register online at www.Skechersfriendshipwalk.com or by mail for $25. Registration at the Manhattan Beach Pier on the morning of the event is $30. Registered participants will receive a commemorative Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk t-shirt, goody bag and complimentary water and drinks along the walk route. For those who cannot participate, donations will also be accepted until the day of the walk; event sponsors and volunteers are also welcome to participate.
In addition to Nickelodeon, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks its 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.
