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Eight women tested their arm-wrestling might last weekend to raise money for a national charity.

In front of a crowded room of eager spectators, eccentric female personas such as "The Jillotine" and "The Long Arm of the Law" took the stage Saturday for the D.C. Lady Arm Wrestlers league's inaugural event. As each wrestler prepared, onlookers placed bets on their favorite fighters.

"I just envision beating her to a pulp," said Ann Marie Allison, 36, of Silver Spring, aka "Scarlett O'Scara," as she awaited her semi-final matchup with eventual winner Kelly Wood, 39, of Silver Spring, aka "Mommie Dearest."

"It's ultimately about the charity. It's women coming together to do something good with a little theater, a little fun," said Silver Spring resident Holly Rothrock, co-organizer of the league and event, which gave all proceeds to the House of Ruth, a national nonprofit organization which serves as an advocate for battered women and their children.

It was during February's blizzard that Rothrock, aka "Holly Gofightly," and two other Silver Spring women were inspired by an article about a women's arm-wrestling league in Charlottesville, Va.

"I don't know if it was snow and being all cooped up, but it seemed like a good idea for D.C.," Rothrock said.

Wrestlers were introduced by Kimberly Gilbert, a local actress, and Dirty Marty, who also hosts a women's roller-derby league in Baltimore. The referee was Philip Yunger, a Vietnam veteran and member of American Legion Post 8 in Southeast Washington, D.C., where the event was staged.

"It's fun, silly and a great, great cause," said Rothrock's next-door neighbor Christine Jasper, 39, aka "The Green Fear."

Jasper was defeated by Nebraska-native Jenny Schenck, 24, aka "Army of One," who entered the ring to the song "American Woman" by The Guess Who.

With a toothpick in her mouth, clad in a camouflage miniskirt, and donning her aviator sunglasses, Schenck regarded the charity as a major reason for her competing.

"It was a lot of fun. Everyone was getting in on it," said Rothrock. "I think there were a few people arm-wrestling that weren't even part of the competition."

When asked how she was able to win the coveted "Golden Bicep'' medal, the 5-foot-10-inch Wood replied, "I have no answer for that. It was great. I had a blast."

Rothrock said the goal was to find a way to support women and children, and the House of Ruth seemed like a perfect fit. The nonprofit educates, prevents and intervenes in domestic and interpersonal violence. Its services include counseling, shelters, legal clinics, training and community outreach.

After expenses, the event earned more than $1,500 for the organization. Rothrock said DCLAW plans to have competitions every few months with proceeds benefiting a different charity each time. She already has received phone calls and e-mails from women interested in competing in the next event.