Skechers USA, Inc. announced that elite marathon runner Meb Keflezighi presented a $25,000 check to the Mayors Fund in New York City on behalf of Skechers for rebuilding efforts after the destruction of Superstorm Sandy. Keflezighi also appeared at a special fundraising event at the Skechers Times Square store where the footwear company donated 20 percent of all sales raising additional money for the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.
“I arrived last week in New York to run as I have so many times before. Then after witnessing the storm’s devastation and hearing stories from those affected, the priorities of this amazing city became crystal clear”
To aid families that have been displaced or lost their homes during the hurricane, Skechers worked with Fashion Delivers to get 500 pairs of footwear immediately into the hands of two relief efforts: the Secaucus Municipal Center in New Jersey and The Legacy Center in Queens. Skechers also will be donating a large number of pairs via its charity footwear line that will reach children impacted by the storm in December.
“I arrived last week in New York to run as I have so many times before. Then after witnessing the storm’s devastation and hearing stories from those affected, the priorities of this amazing city became crystal clear,” began Meb. “There’s always another race, but those who lost their homes or friends or family members need our assistance today. I’m fortunate to be here and I hope that together with Skechers we’ve been able to help some of those who need it most.”
“Many of our retail associates and retail partners were impacted by this storm,” added Skechers president Michael Greenberg. “So, we quickly mobilized to figure out how to best help and we’re glad Meb was able to collaborate on raising both money and awareness. We also want to thank the countless runners-both local and visiting for the marathon-who attended our fundraising event on Monday. It’s truly a fantastic and supportive community.”
In 2009, Meb made history as the first American to win the prestigious ING New York City Marathon since Alberto Salazar in 1982. He also won a Silver Medal competing in the marathon during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. And at age 36, Meb achieved back-to-back PRs in the 2011 New York City Marathon (2:09:13) and the 2012 Olympic Trials in Houston (2:09:08) wearing Skechers Performance footwear. Meb currently appears in the global marketing campaign for Skechers GOrun ride.
