Clayton Kershaw Joins the 17th Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk to Celebrate $3.2 Million Raised for Kids
The Los Angeles Dodgers baseball legend warms up for the World Series on the beach, joining Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke and thousands in honor of children with special needs and education
Star power hit a home run at Sunday's Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk with baseball hero and surprise guest Clayton Kershaw, who joined AGT host and comedian Howie Mandel, fitness icon Brooke Burke, St. Louis Cardinals baseball player Brendan Donovan, Skechers executives and thousands of walkers on a day of hope, love and inclusion. Now in its 17th year, the Walk raised more than $3.2 million for children with special needs, public schools, and national college scholarships—bringing the event's total to over $31 million to date.
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Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke, Yossi Mintz and Friendship Foundation kids, Clayton Kershaw and family, Michael Greenberg, Robin Curren, and Amanda Summer Villapando. Photo credit: Getty Images for Skechers
"From sports to TV to entertainment, this has become a truly one-of-a-kind event—one where the stars align every year to celebrate what matters most: the future of our children," said Michael Greenberg, co-founder of the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, which empowers youth with special needs, strengthens public education and funds national college scholarships. "Clayton's passion for children is as legendary as his victories on the field—from his joyous family to the Kershaw's Challenge organization and his eagerness to gather with thousands this past Sunday for our kids. To join us on the cusp of the World Series speaks to his love for this cause and the impact we can all have when we team up together for our children. We are so grateful to have him, Howie (Mandel), Brooke (Burke), and Brendan (Donovan) rally for us—as well as our wonderful presenting sponsor Nickelodeon and all of the dedicated companies, volunteers and walkers who year after year, show us how their commitment to our kids knows no bounds."
"This mission really hits home for us because it's exactly what we strive to do through Kershaw's Challenge—to give kids opportunities they might not otherwise have, whether that's in the classroom, on the field, or in life," said Clayton Kershaw. "Education opens doors, and when you combine that with a sense of belonging and support, it changes everything for a child. What Skechers and the Friendship Foundation are doing through this Walk perfectly aligns with that vision—it's about inclusion, empowerment, and creating a foundation for the future. We've seen firsthand how education and community can transform lives, and being part of something that continues to work right here in our own backyard means a lot to us."
Over the past 17 years, donations from the Walk have transformed an entire generation—offering true friendship and belonging to children across the neurodiverse spectrum, creating new educational pathways for thousands, and deepening our community's understanding of children's limitless potential. Among this year's beneficiaries is the Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family / Skechers Center)—a first-of-its-kind facility opening in the first half of next year, that will provide life-changing resources for individuals with special needs. The $55 million, 62,000-square-foot life center will provide vocational training, job placement, and opportunities for students to fully participate in the workforce and their communities. Its expansive programs will include a Creative Arts Center, Culinary Institute, Recreation Center, Life Skills programming and early education and mentoring opportunities—helping young adults discover their lifelong passions and purpose.
The Campus will also serve as the new headquarters for the Friendship Foundation, which fosters companionship, celebrates individuality and promotes acceptance for all with diverse abilities. The organization offers more than 60 in-person programs—including art, music, fitness, sign language, science, social emotional wellness and yoga—as well as engaging pop-up programs like virtual scavenger hunts and talent shows that are free for anyone to attend locally and across the United States.
Academically, funds from the Walk have enabled public school education foundations to reduce class sizes; update labs, libraries and facilities; and protect teachers' jobs. The Skechers Foundation's national college scholarship program also dedicates a portion of Walk proceeds to students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics and leadership, awarding more than $2.3 million in scholarships to date.
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk featured appearances by Dani Bowman, David Isaacman and Subodh Garg from the show Love on the Spectrum; Nayah Damasen from Monster High; Kinley Cunningham and Nathan Broxton from The Thundermans: Undercover; Pyper Braun from Erin & Aaron; Marta Kessler from The Mysterious Benedict Society and Ayva Severy from The Garcias; AGT Golden Buzzer winner and actress Madison Taylor Baez; international pop-dance sensation Mandy Corrente; Minor 7; as well as a special pet adoption fair in partnership with The Lovejoy Foundation.
The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk expresses its profound appreciation to Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, Rare Beauty, Ted Schwartz Family Foundation, Steel Sports, Mattel, United Legwear & Apparel Co., StandStrong, Team One, Big 5 Sporting Goods, TJX Companies, Chevron, Bank of America, Ross Stores, Barco, Dakine, Vertra, Honda, Amazon, KPMG, Kinecta, Moose Toys, Waiakea, LA Kings, LA Dodgers, Angels Baseball, Continental Development, WSS, Topgolf, Beach Cities Health District, Paradise Bowls, Olipop, Raising Cane's, Cushman & Wakefield, and all of the companies that have dedicated their time and efforts to supporting our children.
Learn more about the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and join our growing movement for our children's future at skechersfriendshipwalk.com and Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Skechers Foundation
Established in 2010 to help children in need, the Skechers Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities to ensure the health, success and well-being of youth worldwide. We invest in a global network of charitable organizations dedicated to embracing individuals with diverse abilities, improving education, empowering disadvantaged families and providing humanitarian, disaster and economic relief. By supporting millions through our products and services, we aspire to make a valiant effort in creating stronger, self-sufficient individuals for future generations.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 46th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ:PSKY).
About Skechers U.S.A., Inc.
Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company® based in Southern California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The Company's collections are available in approximately 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com, and approximately 5,300 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500® company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Clay
SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.
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(310) 937-1326