When hometown teams come together to aid the fight against domestic violence, people definitely pay attention. The bulbs were flashing last night as the nonprofit group Becky's Fund, Clinton Portis and Eric Finn Clothiers joined forces for "Walk this Way," a fashion show aiming to end domestic violence.
The event was held at the Liasion Hotel's rooftop pool, and the space was definitely filled to capacity. Some notable names also lent their support for the Becky's Fund, which has been raising awareness about domestic violence since 2006. The show was MC'd by NBC sports anchor Lindsay Czarniak atop a chic over-the-water runway.
Washington Redskins Clinton Portis was joined by teammates Jason Campbell and Stephen Hayer as they graciously posed for cameras and strutted down the runway for an enthusiastic crowd.
They were joined by D.C. United players Bryan Namoff, Devon McTavish and Santino Quaranta.
Guests were treated to a selection of different mini-burgers, SmartWater and cupcakes along with some entertaining performances that included fire and dancing.
D.C. Council members Vincent Gray, Kwame Brown, Michael Brown and Harry Thomas sat poolside and watched what one observer described as "more than your your ordinary fashion show."
Models performed vignettes on the runway, each detailing different aspects of domestic violence. When the last model came out bound and blindfolded, we watched as Becky's Fund founder Becky Lee untied the model's wrists, removed her blindfold and embraced her as if to free her.
The powerful finale had spectators on their feet. Clinton Portis and Becky Lee closed the show with a few words about how this was an important cause to him and how all victims of domestic abuse, regardless of sex, should be given an opportunity to heal.
