The Skechers Foundation today announced that more than $520,000 was raised for children with special needs and education through its Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. The 2011 donations were significantly higher than last year's Pier to Pier Walk's total of $380,000 thanks to the record number of walkers, more than 7,000 people, and the many donations by local and national businesses, including presenting sponsor Kids Foot Locker.
“Three years ago we had 2,200 people come out, and last year we had 3,800 walkers. I got an email at 1 a.m. this morning from a team leader saying that we were at 7,200 walkers. This is our biggest turnout yet,” Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, told the crowd at the Skechers Pier to Pier Walk on Sunday. “But I want each one of you to tell a friend about this so next year, we can raise more money for children with special needs and our kids' education.”
Greenberg later added: “I believe that it is our obligation as parents and business leaders to provide assistance to wonderful organizations like The Friendship Circle, which touches the hearts of so many, and to help schools during these tough times.”
Sunday's event, which was a 3.4 mile walk from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach and back, was hosted by fitness expert and Skechers ambassador Denise Austin, who rallied the crowd before the walk. Dancing with the Stars host and Skechers spokesperson Brooke Burke Charvet and legendary Hall of Fame baseball manager Tommy Lasorda also spoke to the crowd about the importance of education and fitness.
“I have four kids and as a mom, education is a high priority on my list,” Brooke Burke Charvet told the crowd. When I think about what's happening (within the education system) and how all of you are giving back, through your efforts and your contributions and donations, and to come out here today, and walk and gather and spend time with the family and friends, it's really incredible. You should all be proud of yourselves today for making such a difference.”
“This is a great country we live in,” Tommy Lasorda said from the Pier to Pier Walk stage. “We're always able to help somebody in need and what you're doing here today is helping. You ought to be congratulated for what you've done here, you should be proud, you should walk prouder this year then you did last year. Just remember one thing, to paraphrase the words of the great general Douglas MacArthur: 'We shall return.' I hope we get more people involved next year.”
In addition to presenter Kids Foot Locker, sponsors of the 2011 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk include Wells Fargo, Body Glove, Merrill Lynch, Chevron, Ross Stores, Marriott, Premier Displays & Exhibits, Marshalls, United Legwear, Waste Management, Equinox, Shape Magazine, Star Magazine, Union Bank, AT&T, Team One and Nestle, among others.
The Friendship Circle, a non-profit organization that assists children with special needs and their families through one-on-one peer mentoring and social recreational programming ( www.gotfriends.com ).
For more information about the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, please visit www.skechersfriendshipwalk.com .
