We are honored to announce an exciting new addition to our upcoming RDI Heroes of Democracy Gala. Senator John Fetterman will join us as our fourth and final honoree as we celebrate his unflinching advocacy for our democratic allies in Ukraine and Israel in the face of both personal challenges and loud criticism from detractors on the political fringes.


Senator Fetterman will accept his award alongside Representative Adam Kinzinger, another stalwart advocate for America’s friends around the world who endured personal trials of his own in the form of vicious attacks from the far-right as he sought accountability for the January 6 insurrection.


Fetterman, a Democrat, and Kinzinger, a Republican, embody RDI’s emphasis on patriotism over partisanship and the fundamental values of democracy. They join Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who has made her tiny nation a cornerstone of the democratic alliance by standing tall against Vladimir Putin, and Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who weathered abuse from the most powerful political forces in the country simply for performing an essential public service—working the polls on election day.


The Gala will be held the evening of April 4, 2024 at Gotham Hall in New York City. We hope you will join us to honor these remarkable individuals. Secure your spot today by purchasing a ticket or table sponsorship. Please contact RDI’s Director of Stewardship Caitlin Forrest at [email protected] with any questions and for more information.

RSVP Today

2024 Awardees

RSVP Today

Date | Thursday, April 4 2024


Time | VIP: 5:45 PM; General: 6:30 PM


Location | Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway, New York, NY


Individual Ticket | $750

This includes one ticket to the Heroes of Democracy Gala.


Democracy Defender Package | $3,000

This includes two tickets to the Heroes of Democracy Gala, two tickets to the VIP Chairman’s Cocktail Hour hosted by Garry Kasparov, and you will be seated with a VIP from RDI’s board or an honoree.


Tables & Sponsorships

We have several sponsorship and table opportunities available ranging from $10,000 - $75,000.

See all ticket & table options

Please email RDI’s Director of Stewardship Caitlin Forrest at [email protected] with any questions and to learn more.


2023 Heroes of Democracy

Last year RDI held our inaugural Gala where we honored our very first Heroes of Democracy:

  • Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, bravely fighting for his nation’s survival

  • Carine Kanimba, daughter of Hotel Rwanda hero Paul Rusesbagina, who courageously fought for her father’s freedom

  • US Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough and her colleagues, unsung heroes who protected America’s democratic processes during the attempted insurrection on January 6

  • Philanthropist Howard Buffett, a firm believer in Kyiv’s victory and an investor in Ukraine’s recovery


You can get excited for this year’s event by watching below:

RDI's 2023 Heroes of Democracy Gala