Tag: press

Sports Stars Stand Up As Role Models to Break the Cycle of domestic violence

Washington, D.C. (November 20, 2015) — Pro athletes from Washington DC’s top professional sports teams Washington Wizards, Redskins, Nationals and DC United came together last night for Becky’s Fund 7th Annual Walk This Way charity fashion show at the Embassy of Italy. The event raised over $150,000 for the DC-based nonprofit Becky’s Fund, an organization committed to the prevention of domestic violence.

Washington Redskins Pierre Garçon, Chris Baker, Washington Wizards Bradley Beal, Garrett Temple, and Alan Anderson, Washington Nationals Gio González, DC United’s Bill Hamid, Chris Pontius, Steven Birnbaum and Sean Franklin, and former NFL stars Gary Clark and John Booty, donned looks from luxury Italian designer, Canali.

Becky’s Fund Founder Becky Lee delivered powerful remarks on the importance of creating awareness about the cause and turning up the volume on this silent epidemic “Tonight is a time for us to stand in solidarity against domestic violence. One in four women and one in six men are affected by domestic violence but many do not come forward because they are scared of being judged. I hope you will join me in turning up the volume and raising your voice to rise above this silent epidemic. Becky’s Fund is grateful for the support of our athletes who walked as men of code in our show to highlight the importance of breaking the cycle with our next generation. Without the generosity of Verizon, Odessa, O’Brien Family Fund, Bajaj Family Foundation, Omnifics, Bulgari, and our generous donors, this event would not have been possible and we are honored to have been able to partner with these sponsors who are committed in ending domestic violence together.”

Proceeds from Walk This Way benefit the Becky’s Fund “Men of Code” program — training athletes to become leaders and allies in the movement to end domestic violence — and enables Becky’s Fund to enter three more schools in 2016. Every year, Becky Lee’s annual show helps the organization’s mission to prevent domestic violence by creating awareness, encouraging advocacy among peers, promoting activism through outreach programs, and providing support for victims.

This year’s event also featured a special exhibit titled Voices, by Brooklyn-based artist and activist Cat del Buono, whose work was inspired by her two years of volunteering at domestic violence shelters throughout various US cities. Last night’s female models rocked looks from Elizabeth St John with Alberto Parada Jewelry, hats by Melissa Vap, and hair and make-up by one80 salon and MadeUpArt.

For more information about Becky’s Fund and the Men of Character and Ownership, Dedicated to leading by Example, please visit www.dmngoodstaging.com/beckysfund/.
Please find photos of last night’s Becky’s Fund Walk This Way fashion show for your editorial consideration. Photo credit: Marcus Bennett.

DC United Goal Keeper Bill Hamid hits the runway to support Becky’s Fund Walk This Way fashion show

Washington Nationals pitcher Gio González, Becky’s Fund founder Becky Lee and Washington Redskin Chris Baker

Washington Wizards player Garrett Temple hits the runway to support Becky’s Fund Walk This Way

The female models rocked looks from Elizabeth St. John with jewelry by Alberto Parada, hats by Melissa Vap, and hair and make-up by one80 salon and Nour Kazoun.

Pierre Garçon hits the runway to support Becky’s Fund Walk This Way

Chris Pontius hits the runway to support Becky’s Fund Walk This Way

The evening was emceed by CSN Sports Anchor Julie Donaldson and former NFL Star John Booty

Silvia and Antonis Karagounis and WPGC 95.5’s Sunni & The City

John Booty, Gary Clark, Julie Donaldson, Gio González, Pierre Garçon, Becky Lee, Bill Hamid and Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal hits the runway to support Becky’s Fund Walk This Way

Gio González hits the runway to support Becky’s Fund Walk This Way

Chris Baker hits the runway to support Becky’s Fund Walk This Way