Friendship Circle, Tommy Lasorda Come Together at Dodger Stadium

Members of the Friendship Circle had their day at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 1 as part of the launch of the Los Angeles Dodgers community-wide campaign for the fourth annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda and the Skechers Foundation helped make the event happen for the youths.

“The Friendship Circle has a special place in my heart," said Lasorda. "These kids give such joy and love, they change people’s lives. I know they’ve changed mine."

One hundred children with special needs and their family members attended the Dodger Stadium event, taking in a Dodgers game. Five children with special needs had the opportunity to join Lasorda and current Dodgers players on the field before the first pitch of the baseball game.

The Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in 2012 is a a Nickelodeon-sponsored Southern California event that raises funds for The Friendship Circle and education. The Skechers Foundation is organization designed to support families and communities in need.

Lasorda has co-hosted the Walk since its launch in 2009 and will co-host the this year's Walk on October 28. 

The Walk raises funds for Friendship Circle projects that can include teen mentorships, support groups and programs for children with special needs and their families. Funds are also used for equipment, salaries and supporting materials for compromised schools.