At a celebration on Thursday night, the Skechers Foundation presented more than $3 million to the Friendship Foundation and local education foundations from the 2024 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk.

The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation received $278,263 for its programs in Manhattan Beach public schools. Additionally, the Friendship Foundation received $1,155,571 for its programs for children and young adults with diverse needs, as well as for its new 62,000-square-foot Friendship Campus, slated for opening in 2026.

"What is unique about our community? It's what happening here this evening," said Yossi Mintz, executive director and president of the Friendship Foundation. "So many lives have changed as a result of this walk."

The El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Peninsula education foundations also received checks from the walk. All told, the six education foundations received a total of more than $1.68 million.

A portion of the Friendship Walk proceeds also go to the Skechers Foundation's national scholarship program for students with financial need and proven excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership.

The 2024 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk broke all previous fundraising and attendance records in its 16th year, drawing nearly 22,000 registrants and raising $3.4 million.

The Friendship Walk has raised more than $27 million to date for children with special needs, public schools, and national college scholarships. 

"It takes a village to raise a child, and our village has nurtured this event from an enthusiastic neighborhood movement to one of California's most impactful walks for youth - one that just keeps getting bigger and having a greater and greater impact on our kids," said Michael Greenberg, co-founder of the Friendship Walk and president of Skechers.