you’re invited
heroes of democracy gala
April 3rd, 2025 | New York City
RDI Chairman Garry Kasparov invites you to an evening of dinner, drinks, and glamour as we celebrate the leaders and pioneers who have taken risks to defend freedom around the world and advance American excellence.
Our theme this year is “Back to the Future,” recognizing that we need inspiration and positivity to keep up the fight for democracy.
Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Location: Gotham Hall, New York City
VIP Chairman’s Cocktail: 5:45 PM
General Admission: 6:30 PM
Dress Code: Black Tie Optional
our honorees
heroes of democracy
We are excited to announce our six incredible honorees!
Admiral William H. McRaven
Former Commander, US Special Operations Command
Captain Scott Kelly
Record setting NASA Astronaut and retired United States Navy Captain
Aisha Bowe
Blue Origin Astronaut, Former NASA Rocket Scientist
President-Elect Edmundo González Urrutia
Rightfully elected leader of Venezuela
Colonel Terry Virts
Former Commander, International Space Station
María Corina Machado
Venezuelan opposition leader and legislator
rsvp today
gala tickets
- General Admission: $500 | Includes 1 ticket to Gala
- VIP Ticket: $1,750 | Includes 1 ticket to Gala & 1 ticket to Chairman’s Cocktail Reception hosted by Garry Kasparov
- Gala Patron: $5,000 | Includes 2 tickets to Gala, 2 tickets to Chairman’s Cocktail Reception hosted by Garry Kasparov, featured in promotional materials, and underwrites a ticket for a Frontline Fellow dissident and a college student to attend.
Please fill in your information below to purchase your tickets to the 2025 RDI Heroes of Democracy Gala.
Email giving@rdi.org with any questions.
Sponsorship opportunities
The fight for freedom is a generational one–and we can’t do it alone. We need your support to amplify the voices of those standing up to oppression, inspire action through powerful storytelling, and build a global community committed to defending democracy.
See our full sponsorship opportunities below and email RDI Director of Stewardship Elie Rubinstein at giving@rdi.org to learn more.
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