20th Annual Knock-Out Abuse Gala Nets $560k; Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Keynotes 'Great Gatsby' Benefit

All photographs by Joy Asico for REVAMP.com.

NORTHWEST -- The ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton temporarily transported guests back to the Roaring Twenties on Thursday night, during the 20th annual Knock-Out Abuse Against Women Gala.

The black tie affair, which boasted a glitzy 'Great Gatsby' backdrop designed by Events by Andre Wells, raised more than $560,000 to aid women and children survivors of domestic violence.

Hundreds of Washington's most prominent women (the city's men can traditionally be found at the similarly charitable Fight Night benefit that takes place across town at the same time) used the occasion to don their finest flapper and sequined attire, with WUSA9's Andrea Roane serving as the evening's emcee.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand [D-NY], a passionate advocate for victims of domestic violence, delivered the program's keynote address and discussed her zero tolerance policy for instances of domestic abuse.

And CNN's Wolf Blitzer lent his celebrity star power for the live auction portion of the night, which featured plenty of extraordinary prizes including a private luncheon with singer/songwriter Eric Benet that fetched an amazing $31,000.

The GRAMMY-nominated performer also served as the gala's surprise entertainer earlier in the show and belted out many of his hits, much to the delight of guests.

Since Cheryl Masri and Jill Sorensen founded Knock-Out Abuse Against Women back in 1993, the benefit has raised more than $6 million for local charities. Proceeds from this year's event were earmarked for four specific support groups: Bethany House of Northern Virginia, Crossway Community, Safe Shores, and the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project.

No tent pole event would be complete, of course, without an after party. And the gentlemen of Fight Night joined the ladies of Knock-Out Abuse at the Ritz, close to the stroke of midnight, for a wild dance party DJ'd by Questlove that lasted well into the next morning.

A Gatsby-esque party to be sure.