California charity walk raises record $3.3m for children with special needs

After 17 years, California pier walk raises record $3.3 million with celebrity supporters in 2026 (Image Credit: Skechers)A community walk that began as an effort to support children with special needs has grown into one of Southern California's major annual charity events, bringing together thousands of participants, celebrities and corporate sponsors. What started as a local fundraising initiative has now raised millions of dollars for children, students and young adults, helping fund educational opportunities, inclusive programmes and facilities designed to support independence.According to an October 23, 2026, announcement by the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), the 18th annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk raised a record $3.3 million. Organised by the Skechers Foundation and the Friendship Foundation, with Nickelodeon as presenting sponsor, the event attracted more than 24,000 registrants. Among its supporters were boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, television host Brooke Burke, actor Nate Simon and baseball players Chris Taylor, Kyle Karros and Jared Karros.How a community walk became a major charity eventThe Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk brings together families, students, volunteers, celebrities and businesses for a 3.4-mile journey along Southern California's South Bay coastline. The annual event supports children with special needs, public school education and college scholarships. Over its 18-year history, the initiative has raised $35 million, according to Skechers president and walk co-founder Michael Greenberg. He said participants had collectively walked more than one million miles, equivalent to travelling around the planet approximately 40 times.The event has developed beyond a fundraising walk into a platform for raising awareness about inclusion and providing practical support to children and young adults. Its proceeds help finance programmes that address educational needs, improve school facilities and create opportunities for individuals with developmental and learning differences. The 2026 edition was particularly significant because it recorded the event's highest-ever fundraising total, with $3.3 million collected in support of its beneficiaries.A $70 million campus for neurodivergent young adultsOne of the major projects supported by the annual walk is the Friendship Campus, also known as The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center. The $70 million development covers nearly 62,000 square feet and is designed to provide neurodivergent young adults with a supportive environment where they can develop independence, discover their interests and prepare for adult life.Funded by the Skechers Foundation, the Friendship Foundation and other partners, the campus is scheduled to open on January 21, 2027. Its facilities will include a creative arts studio, a culinary institute and a recreation centre. It will also offer life-skills programmes, early education and mentoring opportunities to help participants build confidence and prepare for meaningful professional opportunities. The campus will become the new headquarters of the Friendship Foundation, allowing the organisation to expand its programmes and reach more families across Los Angeles County.The foundation's work has grown considerably since its beginnings. Its original buddy programme served just 30 participants at one school. It now engages more than 5,000 students, participants and volunteers across the county, working with nearly 100 schools. Its activities include more than 50 monthly programmes and a six-week summer camp for children with special needs.How the walk supports schools and studentsBeyond its work with children with special needs, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk also directs funding towards public education. Through partnerships with public school education foundations, the event has contributed millions of dollars to improve learning environments. The money has helped reduce class sizes, upgrade science laboratories and libraries, improve school facilities and protect teaching jobs.Another part of the proceeds supports the Skechers Foundation's national college scholarship programme. The initiative has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need alongside achievement in academics, athletics and leadership. These contributions allow the event to support students at different stages of their education, from school improvements to financial assistance for higher studies.Celebrities and businesses join the causeThe 2026 walk attracted several well-known supporters, including Sugar Ray Leonard, Brooke Burke and actor Nate Simon. Baseball players Chris Taylor, Kyle Karros and Jared Karros also joined the initiative.Participants were entertained by performances from the Full Circle Boys and the Los Angeles Clippers Spirit dance team. Popular Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob, Sandy, the Paw Patrol characters Marshall and Everest, and Rugrats characters Tommy and Angelica, also interacted with attendees. The event included an animal adoption activity organised in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, giving shelter animals an opportunity to find new homes.Nickelodeon served as the presenting sponsor, while several companies and organisations contributed to the event, including Rare Beauty, Mattel, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Bank of America, Amazon, KPMG, Honda and the Los Angeles Dodgers.A growing commitment to inclusionThe record $3.3 million raised in 2026 reflects the scale of support the annual walk has built over nearly two decades. Its impact extends beyond a single fundraising day, helping finance educational improvements, scholarships and programmes that give children and young adults greater opportunities.With the Friendship Campus preparing to open in January 2027, the initiative is also moving towards a new phase of support for neurodivergent young adults. Its organisers hope to create more opportunities for participants to develop practical skills, build relationships and pursue meaningful futures.