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Pierre Garçon, Kai Forbath, CJ Mosley, Chykie Brown and More Help Raise Over $200,000 at the Becky’s Fund 6th Annual Walk This Way Fashion Show Featuring GANT
Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2014) – Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens, DC United players and over 500 Washingtonians came together last night for the Becky’s Fund 6th Annual Walk This Way charity fashion show at the Italian Embassy. The event raised over $200,000 for the DC-based nonprofit Becky’s Fund, an organization committed to the prevention of domestic and dating violence. Washington Redskins Pierre Garçon, Kai Forbath, Chris Baker and Andre Roberts, Ravens CJ Mosley and Chykie Brown and DC United stars Bill Hamid and Chris Pontius donned the newest looks from luxury clothing brand GANT, the event’s official menswear fashion partner. Professional boxer Jimmy Lange, Philadelphia Wings’ Paul Rabil, former NFL stars John Booty and Gary Clark, former Redskin Josh Morgan and US Olympian Giuseppe Lanzone completed the star-studded lineup of men who stepped up as role models to walk the runway and take a stand against domestic violence.
Proceeds from Walk This Way benefited the Becky’s Fund “Men of Code” program, an initiative that engages and empowers high school athletes to become leaders in the movement to end violence against women and girls. The evening kicked off with a surprise appearance from Friendship Collegiate Academy’s football team, just a handful of the youth enrolled in the Men of Code program. Every year, over three million children witness domestic violence and Men of Code is part of the solution in helping end the cycle of violence that affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States today. On November 11, ESPN will air a one hour special on domestic violence and the NFL, highlighting Men of Code as a model program helping to break the cycle of domestic violence at a young age.
Chris Pontius, Chris Baker, Becky Lee, Andre Roberts and Pierre Garcon hit the runway to support Becky’s Fund and their mission to end domestic violence.
Becky’s Fund Founder Becky Lee delivered powerful remarks on the importance of creating awareness about the cause, “What an amazing night – bringing together the community to take a stand against domestic violence. Becky’s Fund is grateful for the support of our athletes who walked as women and men of code in our show to highlight the importance of breaking the cycle with our next generation. Without the generosity of O’Brien Family Fund, GANT, Moët Hennessy USA, Karen Millen, CoVant, Michael Hines and TRR Sotheby’s International Realty, Diakon, Bajaj Family Foundation 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.”
While pro athletes and high school stars took center stage, the evening also showcased cocktail and black-tie attire from notable designer, Karen Millen. US Olympic swimmer Kate Ziegler was among the female models who hit the runway in some of the brand’s fresh looks. Event chair Michelle Schoenfeld of Renu Medical Spa lead up the program with Emcee Comcast SportsNet Julie Donaldson while Moët Nectar Impérial Rosé & Belvedere served as the official spirits of the VIP and Players’ Lounge, adding an air of elegance to the always beautiful main atrium at the embassy.
For more information about Becky’s Fund and the Men of Character and Ownership, Dedicated to leading by Example, please visit www.beckysfund.org.