WPDI
“Rise as One”
Gala Dinner and Auction
September 25, 2026 – Gotham Hall, New York
VIP reception at 6.00 PM – Cocktail reception at 6.30 PM
Dress code: Black tie
On September 25, 2026, taking the opportunity of the International Day of Peace and the Opening Week of the United Nations General Assembly, WPDI will hold a Gala Dinner and Auction in New York to celebrate fourteen years of action for peace from the grassroots.
“Join me in celebrating the incredible peacemakers and leaders who are transforming their communities”
FOREST WHITAKER
Sports speak a universal language, transcending geography, politics, and beliefs. It creates an immediate connection through shared human values. Resilience, discipline, perseverance, teamwork. These values are deeply aligned with WPDI’s mission and form the foundations of sustainable peace. True strength comes from coordination, alignment, and shared purpose. When we work together, we Rise as One.
Participants in the “Rise as One” Gala will discover unique stories of elite peacebuilders in vulnerable communities of Africa, North America, and Europe. The dinner will host approximately 300 guests and feature a VIP reception, sumptuous dinner, and an incredible evening program with presentations of our youth leaders’ stories and performances by internationally acclaimed artists.
Proceeds of the Gala will help us continue to empower people from conflict-affected and vulnerable places by providing them with skills, knowledge, vocational training, trauma healing, mentorship, and resources to develop their own projects, notably small businesses.
Please join us and become part of their journeys by helping them drive change for peace, prosperity, and hope.
“Join me in celebrating the incredible peacemakers and leaders who are transforming their communities”
FOREST WHITAKER
- Peace Maker Level - $ 150,000
An exclusive opportunity to be an anchor event partner, with a host of benefits providing maximum visibility
- Up to 2 prominently placed tables of 10 with name or company branding
- 2 seats at Forest Whitaker’s table
- Up to 10 VIP reception tickets (includes a meet and greet with Forest Whitaker)
Corporate visibility and branding moment:
Onstage recognition and speaking during the program to be acknowledged
- Onstage recognition and speaking during the program to be acknowledged
- Opportunity for one corporate executive to be listed as an Honorary Committee Member in all related materials (program, digital media, press releases, etc.)
- Top recognition in gala marketing collateral including program, press release, media coverage and e-newsletter
- Logo visibility included prominently on the Step and Repeat
- Logo recognition digitally on screens through the evening
- Logo included on all printed material
- Full color one page ad in the brochure of the event
- Full integration into WPDI’s social media plan surrounding the event
- Special recognition in WPDI Annual report
- Future Builder Level - $ 100,000
You will receive exclusive benefits and VIP status and profiles:
- 1 prominently placed table of 10 with name or company branding
- 1 seat at Forest Whitaker’s table
- Up to 4 additional tickets
- Up to 5 reception tickets (includes a meet and greet with Forest Whitaker)
Corporate visibility:
- Onstage recognition during the program
- Recognition in gala marketing collateral including program, press release, media coverage and e-newsletter
- Logo included on the Step and Repeat
- Logo recognition digitally on screens through the evening
- Logo included on all printed material
- Full color 1/2 page ad in the event program
- Prominently placed on all WPDI’s social media plan surrounding the event
- Special support recognition in WPDI Annual report
- Hope Raiser Level - $ 50,000
You will be distinguished for your standout support:
- 1 prominently placed table of 10 with name or company branding
- Up to 4 additional tickets
Corporate visibility :
- Onstage recognition during the program
- Recognition in gala marketing collateral including program and e-newsletter
- Integration on WPDI’s social media plan surrounding the event
- Full color 1/4 page ad in the event program
- Recognition in WPDI Annual report
- Care Giver level - $ 25,000
You will be celebrated for helping us:
- 1 gala table of 10 with name recognition
Corporate visibility:
- Logo included in the program
