Knock Out Abuse: Photo & Video Highlights

What started out 17 years ago as 20 women at a dinner party at Georgetown's Cafe Milano, is now a must-attend charity event that Thursday night filled the ballroom at the Ritz on 22nd Street NW with more than 750 of Washington, DC's most prominent, powerful and passionate women. 

KNOCK OUT ABUSE is all about raising funds and awareness to help end domestic violence faced by women in the National Capital Area. 

The annual gala and related activities has raised more than $7 million in 17 years by its founders, Jill Sorenson and Cheryl Davis Masri. 

Local newswoman Andrea Roane emceed the event.

Meanwhile, real-life domestic violence survivor and New York Times best-selling author Leslie Morgan Steiner shared her own shocking tale of abuse. The Harvard graduate (whose mother, father, grandmother and grandfather are also Harvard alum) said she thought because of her education and family background, "It would never happen to me." Her new book is titled, "Crazy Love."

The gala, in general, took on a an upbeat tone, as it celebrated the accomplishments of women who have strong enough to stand up, speak out and give a helping hand.  

Actress Agnes Nixon of "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" was honored for her work in bringing awareness of the issue to the small screen. 

Exquisite dinner from the chefs' of the Ritz Carlton

Wonderful ladies on hand to support the cause

Vanessa and Markette pictured with Erika from RHODC

Fabulous items at the silent auction

Iconic song and models  for Robert Palmer song "Addicted to Love"

Tune in to the DC on Heels entertainment segment on TBD TV at 4:30pm and 6:30pm Monday, Nov. 15 for a full reap of the event. Until then, here are some more  photo and video highlights: 

Andrea Roane talks DCOH glam cam

Erika talks to DCOH glam cam

"You don't even want to know how much
I paid for these!" --Kelly Lovallo 

DJ Sixth Sense of BET and WKYS 93.9 fame
spins with DC on Heels!

Markette with PR superwoman Aba Kwawu

Miss & Mrs --> K Street Kate (Miss DC 2006) with
Markette (Mrs. DC 2008)

Dessert!

Vanessa clearly having fun with fireman

But she wasn't the only one...

All in good fun of course. 

We wouldn't be DC ON HEELS without checking out the shoes! This was a room filled with beautiful women and beautiful shoes!

And remember, look out for more about this event in our weekly entertainment segment on TBD!

xoxo,

Markette

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