We Defy Foundation Gala 2026

Join us for the 7th annual We Defy Gala - an evening to celebrate with our community and support the We Defy mission.

Tickets are nearly gone! Get yours before the event is sold out.

DATE
September 26, 2026 6:00-11:00pm

LOCATION
The Hall on Dragon
1500 Dragon St. Suites C & D
Dallas, TX 75207

If you would like to become an Event Sponsor, Support the Gala Auction, or have general event questions, please reach out to our National Event Coordinator. 
Events@wedefyfoundation.org

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Keynote Speaker: John Wayne Walding

John Wayne Walding is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class who served nearly 12 years in the military, including seven years with the 3rd Special Forces Group, and completed combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. During the 2008 Battle of Shok Valley, he lost his right leg to sniper fire but continued fighting for four more hours, earning the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his extraordinary bravery. After his injury, he became the first amputee to graduate from Special Forces Sniper School and serve as a Green Beret sniper.

Walding also excelled as an endurance athlete, competing in major marathons and completing the challenging Bataan Death March while carrying a 45-pound rucksack. Following his military career, he became an entrepreneur, founding several businesses and organizations dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families.

Today, he is a leadership speaker, veteran advocate, and family man who lives in Texas with his wife Amy and their four children.

Win in the Silent Auction!

You don't have to be present at the gala to bid in the silent auction! You can win from anywhere in the US. 

A few details to remember: 

-If you win an item that must be shipped to you, you will be responsible for shipping costs. 

-You must be present to win any packages with alcohol. 

-The silent auction is planned to close at approximately 9:30pm CST on Saturday 9/26/26. This time will not be exact and will be based on the live event timing. Any extensions of closing time will be communicated via text - so be sure to register your cell phone number when you bid! 

For the smoothest bidding experience, download the Givi app: https://www.getgivi.com/