Pier walk raises thousands for Manhattan Beach schools

MB Skechers2 — The Friendship Circle executive director Yossi Mintz (left), Manhattan Beach Education Foundation co-president Erika White and MBEF director of business development Margo Thole receive a $40,000 check from Skechers president Michael Greenberg for Manhattan Beach schools. Photo by Justin Dietterick

Manhattan Beach schools scored an extra $40,000 at a Jan. 25 ceremony at Skechers headquarters, where the company donated money it raised for education at its Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in the city last October.

The money was donated to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, one of six South Bay education foundations that collectively received $150,000 in funds raised at the walk. Hermosa, Redondo, El Segundo, Torrance and Palos Verdes Peninsula education foundations were also included. The Friendship Circle, an organization that assists children with special needs and their families, also received a check for $135,000.

More than 4,000 walkers participated in the event, which raised more than $380,000, according to Skechers representative Lauren Dutko. Participants indicated which organization they wanted donations to go toward. Roughly $95,000 went toward event production costs.

“We are awed and inspired by the generous spirit of the South Bay community, which banded together to raise a tremendous amount of funds for education and special needs children,” said Skechers president Michael Greenberg. “We raised more funds that we could have hoped.”ER

The money was donated to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, one of six South Bay education foundations that collectively received $150,000 in funds raised at the walk. Hermosa, Redondo, El Segundo, Torrance and Palos Verdes Peninsula education foundations. The Friendship Circle, an organization that assists children with special needs and their families, also received a check for $135,000.