“The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk has always been about gathering our community to uplift our kids in the face of great obstacles—and there’s no better example of that than this year. Since the world came to a standstill, our students and teachers have faced unimaginable challenges as they have had to learn online. For children and teens, especially those with special needs, staying close with friends is important to their development, and these changes have added further stress to them and their families. Our schools and the Friendship Foundation have risen to meet these challenges, finding creative new ways to teach, care and connect—but more funding is needed to help their efforts”, commented Michael Greenberg, founder of the Walk.  

Hosted by South Bay students and supported by media sponsor NBC4, dozens of stars and more than 100 companies, the event will feature a star-studded line-up of performances and appearances with celebrities like America’s Got Talent winner Kodi Lee, Tony Romo, Sugar Ray Leonard, Matt Kuchar, Brooke Henderson, Howie Long, Brooke Burke, Denise Austin, amongst others.

Donations from the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk support The Friendship Foundation, public schools and scholarship funds for exceptional students. The Friendship Foundation currently offers one-on-one peer visits and social recreational activities online to children with special needs; typical activities include summer camps, sporting event outings and classes such as music, yoga, cooking, art and drama. The event also helps education foundations enhance schools in areas like technology, music, and science; reduce class sizes; update labs, libraries and facilities; and protect teachers’ jobs. To date, the Skechers Foundation’s national scholarship program has donated more than 200 000 US dollars to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership.

The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk has raised more than 13 million US dollars to date for public schools, scholarships and the Friendship Foundation—breaking records every year since its 2009 launch. More than 17 000 registrants participate in the event annually, many of whom will celebrate virtually from home this month and walk through their neighbourhoods in tribute.