Days after the Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Milwaukee Brewers to reach the World Series for a second consecutive season, Clayton Kershaw was on hand to surprise participants and their families at the 17th annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in Manhattan Beach.
Kershaw joined Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke, Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and thousands of walkers to spread hope, love and inclusion. Kershaw was accompanied by his wife, Ellen, and their four children, Cali Ann, Charley, Cooper and Chance.
During a press conference to discuss his retirement at the end of this season, Kershaw revealed Ellen is expecting a fifth child.
This year’s Skechers 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.
“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,” Kershaw said in a statement.
“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.”
In 2022, Kershaw and former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda participated in the Friendship Walk.
Over the past 17 years, donations from the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk have helped create new educational pathways. Among this year’s beneficiaries were the Friendship Campus (The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center), which is a first-of-its-kind facility opening in the first half of 2026, and one that will provide life-changing resources for individuals with special needs.
The $55 million, 62,000-square-foot center will provide vocational training, job placement and opportunities for students to fully participate in the workforce and their communities. Expansive programs are going to include a creative arts center, culinary institute, recreation center, life skills programming and early education and mentoring opportunities.
The Campus also is going to serve as the new headquarters for the Friendship Foundation, which fosters companionship, celebrates individuality and promotes acceptance for all with diverse abilities.
Clayton Kershaw and Skechers
Kershaw signed an endorsement deal with Skechers in 2019 to start wearing custom cleats that postseason. He has remained with the brand since and been involved in a variety of product designs and community initiatives.
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