Photo credit: Davide De Pas
Knock Out Abuse: Nothing is more powerful than women supporting other women. On November 1, during the 25th Anniversary Knock Out Abuse Gala, $1 million dollars were raised to benefit women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse. This was a record-breaking year for the 25th fundraising gala. For the first time in Knock Out Abuse gala history, $1 million dollars were raised through sponsorships, extraordinary silent and live auctions and ticket sales.
The funds raised are a third more of what was raised in during the 2017 gala. The three chairwomen responsible for this achievement are: Norma Commons Ramsey, Ann Walker Marchant and Denise Grant. The funds will benefit women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse. Beneficiaries are: Crossway Community, Safe Shores, The DC Volunteer Lawyers Project, and Bethany House. Kathleen Guinan, CEO of Crossway Community, the recipient of the Break The Silence Award, spoke about the impact of Knock Out Abuse’s support.
“I’ve been every year as Governor and I’m back again,” Terry McAuliffe told Hollywood on the Potomac. “Every year I get invited to Fight Night, but why would I go there when I can be here? I love being here especially on the 25th Anniversary. I remember when Cheryl and Jill first started this 25 years ago and at that time it was an issue that people weren’t even talking about. I think she got 20 women together early on to begin and then of course the Nicole Brown Simpson the next year is when people started talking about abuse and the dinner got bigger and bigger and now you look and there are 650 women here tonight which I really think is a great shout out to Jill and Cheryl. Now, with the #meToo movement, you’ve got to remember they were here 25 years ago when it really wasn’t a popular subject to talk about. I have to give them a lot of credit. In fact, I’m introducing Cheryl tonight. I’m glad to be back for the 25th Anniversary.”
Senator Mark Warner, Cheryl Masri, Jill Sorensen, Gov. Terry McAuliffe
Notable speakers included: Terry McAuliffe, former Governor of Virginia, Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. Legendary news anchor, Andrea Roane, was Mistress of Ceremonies. Singer/songwriter Shaléa, who has worked with Quincy Jones, Annie Lenox, and Stevie Wonder, captured the attention of the crowd with her rendition of “I Am Women.”
Singer/songwriter Shaléa
