Fides Entrepreneurship Awards Night
Fides Entrepreneurship Awards Night
Fides Entrepreneurship invites you to its most celebrated evening of the year, a black tie aperitif reception honoring three extraordinary figures whose lives make the case that faith, lived seriously and without apology, produces some of the most remarkable entrepreneurs and leaders of our time.
Guests will arrive on the red carpet, beneath the marquee, for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and fellowship at the highest level.
📅 Friday, May 15th · 7:00 PM · Aperitif · New York City
Opening Address
Sam Goodwin — Author of Saving Sam · Doctorate in International Affairs, Johns Hopkins · Visited all 193 countries
Federal Judge Issues 20M Verdict against Syria for torture of US Citizen taken captive in 2019 (Fox News)
In 2019, while attempting his 180th country, Sam was detained by Syrian government forces and accused of being an American spy. He spent 63 days in captivity — 27 of them in solitary confinement 50 feet underground — and survived through strict daily routine and his Catholic faith. His "Winning Through Uncertainty" framework now equips leaders around the world to navigate chaos and emerge stronger.
Award Honorees
Eduardo Verástegui Fides Award for Entrepreneurial Justice Actor · Film Producer · Founder, Metanoia Films
His 2023 film Sound of Freedom brought global attention to the crisis of child trafficking and earned him a private audience with Pope Francis. Eduardo will offer an exclusive preview of his upcoming projects at the gala.
Father Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez — "Fray Tormenta" Fides Award for Entrepreneurial Sacrifice Mexican Catholic Priest · Professional Luchador · Founder, Orphanage in Texcoco
The real Nacho Libre. Facing desperate need to fund his orphanage, Father Sergio made one of the most audacious decisions in the history of faith-driven entrepreneurship: he became a professional luchador. Training in secret at 4:00 AM before morning Mass, he wrestled for 23 years and raised over 2,000 children in the process.
Jordi Vilasuso Fides Award for Entrepreneurial Witness Emmy Award-winning Actor · Co-founder, The Code Red Foundation
Cuban-American actor and man of deep faith. Jordi will make a special public announcement on the evening — the first reveal of a new project rooted in faith and service.
Ticket proceeds benefit
Student Ticket Fund — Ensures young Catholics from NYU, Columbia University, and other universities can attend Fides events at minimal cost.
Clergy Fund — Guarantees that priests are always present in the room, at minimal cost.
Who should attend
Young Catholics discerning how faith and entrepreneurship belong together
Founders and operators who have hit bottom and rebuilt
Professionals wrestling with what success actually looks like
Anyone who believes that a life of faith and a life of ambition are not in tension
A note on tax deductibility
Donations for this fundraiser are not yet tax-deductible. We are in the process of confirming a 501(c)(3) partnership to make this available directly through Luma.
In the meantime, if you would like to further support Fides Entrepreneurship, you are welcome to make a direct donation through our partnership with the Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund which will go directly toward supporting students.
Sign up for the Fides newsletter to stay updated on future events.