Knock Out Abuse Event Features Compassion, Dancing… and a Date!

 

KSK

KSK - Cheryl Masri, Gov Terri McAullife, Jill Sorensen
Cheryl Masri, Gov Terri McAullife, Jill Sorensen

The 21st annual Knock Out Abuse Against Women fundraising gala was held at the West End Ritz-Carlton on Thursday night, bringing together the city’s charitable ladies — and some not so shabby concerned men! — to add to the event’s over $6 million raised (over the last 20 years) to support local organizations that aid victims of domestic violence.

KSK - Andre Wells flanked by two partygoers
Andre Wells flanked by two partygoers

Dr. Rondi Walker, 2014 KOA Gala Chair (and President, Walker Plastic Surgery) joined Founders Cheryl Masri and Jill Sorensen in hosting nearly 1,000 guests at this, one of the city’s premier philanthropic evenings.  Among their celebrated attendees were DC Mayor-Elect Muriel Bowser; Wolf Blitzer; Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, accepting KOA’s first ever Break the Silence award for forming a task force to combat sexual violence at colleges and universities; and keynote special guest Robin McGraw, who shared the work of her own charitable foundation, When Georgia Smiled, which serves to improve the lives of women and children, especially those affected by domestic violence.

KSK - Angelatette Glymph, Debbi Jarvis, Alexis Gallagher
Angelatette Glymph, Debbi Jarvis, Alexis Gallagher

Dancing with the Stars‘” Maksim Chmerkovskiy was also particularly welcomed, not only to provide some enthusiasm and eye candy, but also because he auctioned off himself for a lunch date on November 14!

After the annual philanthropy dinners, as an annual tradition, the guys raising funds at their own Fight for Children: Fight Night event down the street then gathered with the gals for some post-party frisky fun.

*Images courtesy of Knock Out Abuse, Linda Roth PR