Gina Adama
Gina Adama
The gorgeous ballroom was decked out by Events by Andre Wells.
Oscar statues stood at attention.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Rondi Walker
Lucia Riddle, Amy Mckennis Misten and Tisha Hyter
Lucia Riddle, Amy Mckennis Misten and Tisha Hyter
The Party
Lights! Camera! Auction! DC’s most high-profile and powerful women filled The Ritz-Carlton ballroom for an evening of moving speeches, important fundraising and some Champagne-flowing fun at the annual Knock Out Abuse gala, an event dedicated to eradicating domestic violence. One of the most highly anticipated fundraisers of the DC social season, this year’s Hollywood-themed soiree featured Tinseltown touches like photo ops with sinewy men from California’s Muscle Beach, while guests also struck a pose in front of oversize Oscar statues.
The People
Co-founders Cheryl Masri and Jill Sorensen welcomed guests and introduced the year’s honorees, including keynote speaker Robin McGraw (of Dr. Phil fame), who was recognized for her work in combating domestic violence.
Best In Show
The evening took a less serious turn when the event’s celebrity auctioneer, sexy Maksim Chmerkovskiy of Dancing With the Stars, took the stage. As he encouraged attendees to bid on a luncheon with him at Fiola Mare, he unfastened a button on his shirt each time the bidding went up! His flirty strategy contributed to the night’s fundraising total of more than $600,000. –Photos by David DePas
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