The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk held Oct. 25 raised more than $1.8 million in funds, tipping the total raised since the first walk in 2009 to $15 million. Celebrity youth and students across Southern California’s beach cities joined together to host the virtual event, taking viewers through their personal journey during these unprecedented times. A star-studded lineup rallied behind the kids and the cause, including performances with America’s Got Talent winner Kodi Lee and appearances by Skechers endorsers including Tony Romo, Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard, Matt Kuchar, Brooke Henderson, Howie Long, Denise Austin.
“Though 2020 has presented its fair share of obstacles, canceling our walk was not an option,” states Michael Greenberg, Skechers president and co-founder of the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. “This year, our typical 3.5-mile event was shared with communities across the South Bay and beyond – and our celebration will continue to live online year-round for the world to watch and give. Thanks to our all-star roster of celebrities and athletes, the continued support of many of our regular sponsors, and the generosity of thousands of families, we’re able to make a difference when it’s needed most.”
“When Covid struck, we realized that offerings in the Friendship Foundation were going to drastically change, and our kids with special needs were going to be the most impacted by reduced or limited services,” says Yossi Mintz, executive director of The Friendship Foundation. “Many of these kids did not understand what was happening, or why their daily routines were halted overnight. Thanks to the support of the Skechers Foundation and funds raised by the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, we were able to quickly adapt and create a roster of virtual programs for Friendship Foundation families to utilize and remain connected from home. These ambitious changes have helped many get through these unusual times.”
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks its headlining media sponsor NBC4, as well as more than 100 other companies who have supported our children including Gelson’s, United Legwear & Apparel, The CET Foundation, Moose Toys, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Petco Foundation, Steel Sports, Vertra, Chevron, McCarthy Construction, Dakine, Aptos Retail, CAA-GBG, Continental Development, Mattel, Marshalls, WSS, O’Melveny, Halo Life, Ross Dress for Less, Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse, Suntech, Caskey & Caskey and Associates, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and Stroyke Properties.
To watch the stream of this year’s Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk virtual presentation and learn more about the event, please visit skechersfriendshipwalk.com or YouTube, and follow the Walk on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The Covid-19 pandemic couldn’t stop Skechers endorsers from walking virtually for a good cause.
