The Skechers Foundation announced a $1 million fundraising goal for the 2014 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk that will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26. Building upon last years record-breaking $1 million raised to support children with special needs and education, the 2014 Walk will include new celebrity hosts and an interactive social media campaign to boost fundraising efforts.
Ellen K, co-host of the globally syndicated On Air with Ryan Seacrest radio show, will join television host and actress Brooke Burke-Charvet and legendary Hall of Fame baseball manager Tommy Lasorda at the Walks opening ceremony celebration. Im proud to partner with Skechers to raise awareness for this important cause, said Ellen K. Its inspiring to see their commitment to help children with special needs and support education here in Southern California and across the nation. Their efforts have helped thousands of kids build a stronger future and reach their full potential.
The X-Factor Season 3 trio Sweet Suspense will also make their first appearance at the Walk to perform the national anthem.
Skechers has teamed up with Walk sponsor Steel Sports to launch the new #P2PSteelSports Selfie Challenge. Walkers will be encouraged to take a selfie photo at the event, upload to their Instagram, Facebook or Twitter account with the #P2PSteelSports hashtag, and for each photo posted Steel Sports will make an additional $5 donation towards the Walk. The challenge begins at 8 AM on the morning of the Walk and participants will have 24 hours to post their photos to receive a donation credit.
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk has created life-changing opportunities for thousands of kids with special needs and their families. When you see a childs face light up from an interaction with their first friend, it truly warms your heart and reminds all of us why supporting organizations like The Friendship Circle is so important, said Skechers president Michael Greenberg. All of this would not be possible without dedicated teams of walkers and many generous sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Nickelodeon, who step up to support the Walk each year. With the addition of the #P2PSteelSports Selfie Challenge, Im confident we will surpass $1 million and increase funding for both The Friendship Circle and the education foundations that build a better future for our children.
Since its inception, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk has raised nearly $4 million to help save teachers jobs, retain vital educational programs, maintain smaller class sizes, improve libraries, upgrade school technology, as well as support The Friendship Circle-an organization that assists children with special needs and their families through one-on-one peer mentoring and social recreational programming.
The opening ceremony for the 2014 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk begins at 9 AM at the Manhattan Beach pier. Skechers is anticipating more than 12,000 participants will walk the 3.4 mile route to the Hermosa Beach pier and back. To learn more or register, visit skechersfriendshipwalk.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/SkechersFriendshipWalk) and Twitter (twitter.com/SkechersP2PWalk).
In addition to headlining sponsor Nickelodeon, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks its sponsors that include: Wells Fargo, Steel Sports, The Claudette and Ethan Rickett Care Foundation, Ross, Zappos.com, DIRECTV, Body Glove, Amazon Fashion, Kids Foot Locker, United Legwear, JAKKS Pacific, Marshalls, Cushman & Wakefield, Caskey & Caskey, Siltanen & Partners Advertising, Continental Development, Northrop Grumman, Equinox, Michael Stars, Chevron, and many others who have provided funds and support to provide a better future for children.
The Skechers Foundation was established to provide families around the world with the necessities and skills to succeed in life. In addition to organizing the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, the Skechers Foundation funds tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide education and job training, shoes, clothing, fitness and nutrition guidance to communities in need.
