The Skechers Foundation shared that its 8th annual 2016 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk exceeded $1.6 million for children with special needs and education.
Supported by lead presenter Nickelodeon and new media sponsor NBC4, the Walk reached a new attendance high with 12,000 people taking part in the event. Celebrities at the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk included actress, model and long-time Skechers supporter Brooke Burke-Charvet; legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard; model and entrepreneur Camila Alves; actor Ian Ziering; mother/daughter fitness icons Denise and Katie Austin and Hall of Fame baseball manager Tommy Lasorda, a Walk Board of Director who has appeared every year.
“I’ve been part of this Walk for two years now, and there’s nothing like it. It galvanizes this entire community to come together and make a difference in children’s lives,” said Leonard, who spoke about the event. “It really highlights the great optimism in all of us, and the power we have when we organize for good. I hope this Walk inspires other communities to do the same.”
Numerous teen television and movie stars were on hand to support the Walk and meet fans. Attendees also enjoyed performances from Asia Monet Ray who sang the National Anthem, Jordyn Jones, New District and Aidan Prince.
“The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk has taken a life of its own in so many incredible ways,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “More celebrities and walkers are attending than ever before; the media attention’s bigger than ever thanks to NBC4 and other outlets; and our Walk’s reach on social media has surpassed four million viewers.”
Added Greenberg: “I think our Walk has really resonated with people because in our hearts, we love putting our kids first. We’re witnessing a growing culture of inclusiveness for our children with special needs, which has brought joy to so many. And we want to play a direct role in the success of our schools and follow through on our educational promises to our kids. I’ve absolutely loved taking part in this Walk for the past eight years, and am already looking forward to next year.”
The nation’s largest event supporting children with special needs and education, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk has raised more than $7 million since its 2009 launch. Funds support The Friendship Foundation, an organization that assists children with special needs and their families through one-on-one peer mentoring, social recreational programming, field trips and sporting events, as well as education foundations committed to retaining vital academic programs, maintaining smaller class sizes, improving libraries and upgrading school technology. The Skechers Foundation is also entering the third year of its scholarship program, and plans to donate $100,000 to deserving students across the country in 2017.
In addition to its headlining sponsor Nickelodeon and media sponsor NBC4 Southern California, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks sponsors Wells Fargo, Steel Sports, The Claudette and Ethan Rickett Care Foundation, Ross, Zappos.com, Vertra, WSS, United Legwear & Underwear Co., Mattel, Body Glove, Premier Displays & Exhibits, Kids Foot Locker, 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.
