About the Friendship Foundation

The Friendship Foundation supports children, young adults (and their families) living with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing a safe, accepting, and inclusive environment where they can enjoy sports, art, music, and many other social and recreational programs with their peers.

In 2007, the Friendship Foundation started out with 8 children with disabilities and 22 teen volunteers meeting once per month on a Sunday afternoon in Manhattan Beach. Today, over 40 Friendship School Clubs exist throughout the South Bay at elementary, middle, and high school levels in public, private, and charter schools. In addition to our Friendship School Clubs, we offer social and recreational programs 6 days per week, reaching over 3,000 students annually.  

Your Support

In 2009, our founder Yossi Mintz and Skechers founder Michael Greenberg started the Pier to Pier Friendship Walk to raise funds to support children with disabilities and public education. Since 2009 the event has raised more than $14.5 million to support the Friendship Foundation and the 6 Educational Foundations in the District.

It is our belief that every person is precious and capable of love, connection, and friendship. Your support of the Walk helps us to continue offering inclusive, safe, fun, and enriching programs and Friendship Clubs to the greater South Bay and surrounding areas.

Join us and walk to make a difference!