Special Programs
Afternoon at the Beach - with Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, USC
Our good friends at USC's Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity generously designate The Friendship Circle as the beneficiaries of their annual philanthropy event. To date, the fraternity has raised more than $120,000 for our cause. In addition, every spring they join us as The Friendship Circle invites members of the fraternity to the South Bay for a spring day at the beach. A busload of USC students show up at 22nd St Hermosa Beach for a day of fun, food and frolicking in the sun with FC members. There are no fees for participating in this program.
BBQ at USC - with Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, USC
In returning the hospitality of the Afternoon at the Beach, Lambda Chi Alpha hosts an event in the fall, inviting FC members to a BBQ at their fraternity house. The FC members have a blast hanging out with the college students - joining in games, socializing and feasting on good 'ole American chow! There are no fees for participating in this program.
Evening of Recognition - Dinner and Banquet
The Evening of Recognition is an annual banquet held at the end of the school-year honoring the FC School Clubs and all of the teen volunteers. In a festive affair highlighted by guest speakers, award presentations and a delicious dinner, the young honorees and community supporters are celebrated for their noble efforts and commitment throughout the course of the year.
Full Circle
A periodic event when FC Members and Families get together to give back to the community. Full Circle is an opportunity for our kids with special needs to participate in volunteer opportunities like Beach Clean-Up, Tree Planting & Gardening, and Shelter Outreaches.
Grand View Gator Run, Friendship Course - June 1, 2013
This community-wide event brings together serious runners, joyful joggers and walkers to raise funds for the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation. In 2011 GVPTA was please to further expand their community by including a Friendship Course - allowing our special needs participants to get involved on a smaller but equally fun and rewarding level. All participants finish at the official finish line! For more information: www.gvpta.com.
Los Angeles Clippers Game
Each year, The Friendship Circle heads up to Staples Center to cheer for the Clippers and enjoy the experience of a professional basketball game. The first 25 FC members to sign up are invited to the Fan Tunnel Experience to 'high-five' the players as they run out onto the court! In 2012, 14 of our players from the Friendship League Basketball Team had the chance to play a game on the Staples Center court! FC kids are sponsored; family members and volunteers pay a discounted rate. Tickets are limited - so please reserve early.
Los Angeles Dodgers Game
Each year, The Friendship Circle heads up to Dodger Stadium to cheer for the men in blue and enjoy the experience of a professional baseball game. There are no fees for participating in this program, though tickets are limited - so please reserve early.
Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, Kid Country
When the City of Manhattan Beach holds its annual Hometown Fair in the fall, FC members, volunteers, supporters and their families get to enjoy Kid Country attractions for one hour before they are opened to the general public on Sunday morning. Fair activities include: bounce houses/ jumpers, petting zoo, balloon animals and more. There are no fees for participating in this program.
Movie Night
Movie Night is a periodic event when FC Members (and siblings) get dropped off at FC with staff and teen volunteers to eat, socialize and watch a movie. We order pizza and eat popcorn while parents get a few hours of free child care.
Parents' Night Out
Parents' Night Out is similar to Movie Night with the addition of FC treating the parents to a nice evening at a local restaurant. The night is designed to give the kids a fun night with their friends, while allowing their parents a chance to deepen friendships within the Friendship Circle's family. The parents get to enjoy a delightful dinner in a fine restaurant while their special children and siblings hangout with the teen volunteers for pizza and a movie. This program takes place twice a year (in the fall and spring). Restaurant locations vary. There are no fees for participating in this program, though space is limited - so please reserve early.
Pumpkin Races, presented by the City of Manhattan Beach
Immediately following the SKECHERS Friendship Walk is a very unique event for the entire community. This annual hit involves getting a pumpkin, decorating it, then racing it against other pumpkins down Manhattan Beach Blvd. The World Famous Pumpkin Races crew and city of MB generously offer the first 1.5 hours to FC Families. There are no fees for participating in the event.
SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk
The SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk is our annual community event raising awareness and funds for The Friendship Circle and South Bay education foundations. The event takes place at the end of October, on The Stand walkway between Manhattan Beach Pier and Hermosa Beach Pier. To find out more visit our website www.skechersfriendshipwalk.com
SKECHERS Snow Park
Welcome in the Winter - the SKECHERS Snow Park is an annual event for our FC members, teen volunteers, supporters and families to enjoy the holiday season by getting together to play in the snow, build a snowman and sled down hills - all at the beach! Immediately following the Snow Park is a fireworks show in front of Manhattan Beach Pier. There are no fees for participating in this event.
Theatrical Outreach Performances
Throughout the year The Friendship Circle receives tickets to local performances, donated by the production companies. The generous groups that donate the tickets know that our kids cannot always make it through a performance without 'disturbing the general public.' So, they have invited FC families to come to this welcoming environment and enjoy performances by highly talented youth performers from our area. Participating organizations include: Puttin' On Productions and South Bay Ballet. There are no fees for attending these performances, but tickets must be reserved.