Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk - Doing Good!

Thank you to Sketchers and Fresh Brothers for inviting me to learn about the Sketchers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and for catering lunch and allowing me to chose a pair of Sketchers shoes. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.

 

Last weekend I had the most magical day. I drove down to Manhattan Beach, California and spent the day at the Skechers Corporate Office learning all about the annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. Yes, the weather was fabulous. Yes, the view was glorious. Yes, the company was perfect… and don’t even get me started on the food (Fresh Brothers… OMG delish!). What made this day so special was learning about this incredible Friendship Walk and what it does for the South Bay community. Now in it’s 5th year, the Skechers Foundation and the Friendship Circle have produced a true community-based fundraising effort that is making a very real difference in the lives of children with special needs and students in grades K - 12.

We all know about Skechers and how they make some kick-ass shoes, but let me fill you in on what the Friendship Circle is. The idea behind the Friendship Circle is so simple… and so incredibly powerful. Being in school is really a struggle for some kids. Trying to fit in and make friends is hard, but for special needs kids, it can be almost impossible. The Friendship Circle is working hard to bridge that gap between wanting to fit in and needing special care. In a nutshell, the organization began to bring together special needs kids and typical kids for no other reason than to get to know each other and form solid friendships. The special needs kids get to learn from the typical kids, and the typical kids get to learn that even though there are kids who have special needs… they are still just kids. And everyone needs to be able to have a friend.

The kids ALL benefit, but the parents are just as involved. The Friendship Circle provides families of special needs kids the opportunity to get out into the world and have some plain old fun with their families. Often, parents feel it’s better to stay in and shield their special needs kids. One thing is a fact… having down time with a special needs kid is not a good thing. The more they can get out into the world, experience all that it has to offer, and have time to just be a kid and have fun, the more they thrive.

While at the Skechers office, we had the chance to meet friends Danielle and Anthony. Danielle is a high school senior who has become one of Anthony’s best friends through their involvement in the Friendship Circle. Anthony is autistic and non-verbal. The affection they feel for each other was inspiring and watching Danielle communicate with Anthony (through writing questions and giving him answer options) was heart-warming. A kid is a kid is a kid. There is no reason to let the fear of someone being different prevent you from reaching out and getting to know them.

The best part about the Friendship Circle is that it’s all about having FUN. No therapy, no doctors, just friends and good times.

So, back to the WALK. It’s going down on October 27, 2013 and you can be a part of it. The funds raised go directly to local public schools in the South Bay area of California and to benefit special needs kids. 50% of the money raised comes from sponsors… that leaves the other 50% to come from YOU. When the walk started in 2009, there were 1,712 walkers. In 2011, that number grew to 7, 234 walkers. This year there is no telling how many people will be walking.

Pier to Pier Walk Details

Fees Registration is $25 for adults and kids 4+ if paid in advance. Registration the day of the event will be $30. Register and you will even get a Walk T-shirt (while supplies last).

Check-In Early check-in is available from October 25 - October 26 at the Skechers stores in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach South Bay Galleria and Torrance Del Amo Mall, and at the Palos Verdes Equinox Gym.

At the Walk
8:30am is check-in and registration.
9:00am Opening Ceremonies and Pier to Pier Walk
12:00pm Stay for the World Famous Pumpkin Races

It’s going to be an amazing day and I know you’ll want to be a part of it. Join an existing team that is walking, or create your own. Get your family, neighbors, school or any other group or organization together and make a difference.

For more information, check out the Skechers Pier to Pier Walk Website, Facebook Page and Twitter Handle.

Learn more about the Friendship Circle at gotfriends.com.

And after you’ve walked your little feet off, go enjoy lunch at Fresh Brothers. Here’s a tip: garlic knots and meatball sliders. You can thank me later.

And a HUGE thank-you to Skechers for hosting and sharing information about the Pier to Pier Walk. It was a true pleasure to meet everyone involved, especially Danielle and Anthony. My shoes are all kinds of fabulous… thank you for so generously allowing us to choose a pair from your Manhattan Beach store.

They are pretty awesome, aren’t they? I’m talking about Skechers and the Friendship Circle, not the shoes… although yes, the shoes are pretty awesome too.