Stars and the stylish mingle at Becky’s Fund’s Annual “Walk This Way” Fashion Show.
By Katy Ricalde and Cassidy Ricalde
Photos by Tony Powell
Washington Redskins Wide Receiver Pierre Garcon, Becky Lee and Fred Smoot
Washington’s fashion forward recently joined forces with some of the areas most philanthropic at the Italian Embassy for the Becky’s Fund 5th annual “Walk This Way” Fashion Show.
All proceeds from the event go to help support Becky’s Fund program, Men of Code, an initiative to educate young men involved with athletics on domestic and dating violence.
Guests dined on gourmet Italian hors d’oeuvres and drinks, including limoncello, gelato, prosciutto, fresh seafood and artisan pizza at the intimate venue.
Redskins Quarterback Kirk Cousins and Kathleen Doyle
Prior to the show guests gathered in the Washington Life-sponsored VIP Players’ Lounge to mix and mingle with some of the area’s top professional athletes, including players from the Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens and DC United.
“I came out to support this amazing cause because I’ve seen firsthand how much domestic violence can affect someone’s life. We need to get out there to prevent it from happening by setting an example for young men,” said Washington Redskins tight end, Fred Davis.
The show opened with an electric violin performance by Michelle Kim, accompanied by a heartfelt modern-interpretive dance by Rania Jaziri. Comcast SportsNet anchor Julie Donaldson served as Mistress of Ceremonies and read a letter from Vice President Joe Biden, who stressed the importance of organizations like Becky’s Fund.
Joseph Otim
Guests and VIPs cheered as models and athletes walked the runway for a great cause. Model Victoria Pomeroy spoke openly about her personal experience with domestic violence.
“This is my fourth year being a part of the event. Becky’s Fund is a charity very close to my heart and it is important for me to show women that it is possible to leave an abusive relationship and thrive. I am a volunteer, victim and survivor of domestic violence and ‘Walk This Way’ is a reflection of my strength and courage.”
The show featured designs from D.C.-based Brimble & Clark, designer Patricia Gomez-Gracia’s contemporary collection, and Nosa Eweka, with models wearing jewelry from Charm Georgetown and Alberto Parada. The beautifully constructed pieces combined textured fabrics and detail to create luxurious, wearable looks.
David Bradberry, Joel Cas, Angie Diba, Jennifer Harlow and Don Patron
The show concluded with a special message from Becky’s Fund founder Becky Lee, who reminded the audience to be active participants of change and foster awareness by approaching domestic violence as a universal problem.
The night continued at one of Georgetown’s hottest restaurants, Malmaison, where the party went into the early hours of the morning.
Stevie Boi and Kelly Ann Collins
The months of planning proved to be well worth it, raising more than $87,000 for “Men of Code.”
“This year’s planning process started 11 months ago with Becky and myself traipsing through the Italian Embassy. This year, by Saturday morning, our team was up polishing off sponsorship thank you cards and pitching our space for next year,” said event chair Fran Holuba.
Fundraising efforts continue at www.charitybuzz.com/beckysfund through December 3rd via a silent online auction featuring famous sports experiences and unique experiential opportunities.
Chandra Anderson and Adra Williams
