In an age where truth is under attack and conviction is often mistaken for hate, the Courage Under Fire Gala calls on warriors of faith, family, and freedom to gather for an unforgettable evening on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.

This is more than an event—it’s a movement. A cultural awakening.

Attendees will hear from bold, unapologetic leaders who are not afraid to speak the truth and stand against the tide. Featured speakers include:

• Fr. Mike Schmitz
  A beloved Catholic priest and educator, Fr. Mike Schmitz is the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and the Chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He is best known for hosting “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year” podcasts with Ascension, which have ranked at the top of global charts. Fr. Mike is known for his dynamic preaching and his ability to connect timeless truths with today’s challenges.
• Kirk Cameron
  Actor, producer, and advocate for faith and family, Kirk Cameron rose to fame as Mike Seaver on the hit television series “Growing Pains.” Today, he is known for his inspirational films such as “Fireproof” and “Lifemark,” and for his work promoting values-based education and parenting. Cameron is also the creator of “The Homeschool Awakening” documentary and hosts “Takeaways with Kirk Cameron” on TBN.
• Matt Walsh
  Matt Walsh is a best-selling author, producer, actor, cultural commentator, and host of “The Matt Walsh Show” at The Daily Wire. He is known for engaging conversations around family, gender, and traditional values. Walsh is the writer and narrator of the acclaimed documentary “What Is a Woman?” and the author of several popular books that explore issues facing modern culture with wit and clarity. Walsh’s latest film, “Am I Racist?” ranked fourth at the box office and is the No. 1 documentary of the year.
• Michael Knowles
  Michael Knowles is the host of “The Michael Knowles Show” on The Daily Wire. A Yale graduate, best-selling author, and sought-after speaker, Knowles is known for his thoughtful defense of free speech, virtue, and reason. His books include “Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds,” and he regularly contributes to national conversations on education, politics, and cultural leadership.
• Harrison Butker
  Three-time Super Bowl Champion Harrison Butker is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history and a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs. A graduate of Georgia Tech and a team captain in college, Butker is known for his leadership both on and off the field. He is a dedicated husband, father, and advocate for living with purpose and integrity, and he frequently speaks on the importance of faith and family.

“Each of these speakers brings a unique voice and an unwavering commitment to truth, virtue, and courage,” said Alissa Walsh, event organizer for the Courage Under Fire Gala. “Their presence reflects the mission of this event: to inspire individuals to live boldly and build a culture rooted in faith and conviction.”

These influential leaders will share powerful insights on overcoming fear, defending truth, and making a lasting impact. Attendees will be encouraged to embrace their calling with courage, conviction, and faith.

An Evening of Inspiration and Purpose

At a time when cultural values are being challenged, the Courage Under Fire Gala seeks to equip individuals to stand firm in their beliefs and lead with integrity. The event will highlight the importance of faith-driven leadership and the role of education in shaping future generations.

Proceeds from the event go towards supporting Regina Caeli Academy, a classical homeschool hybrid that prioritizes traditional values and supporting families in educating their children.

Regina Caeli Academy serves families seeking Christ-centered learning by providing a classical hybrid education in the Catholic tradition. RCA’s mission is to train the mind to form the soul. Courage Under Fire comes alongside this mission and takes it further by modeling this training in taking a faithful stand and setting the example for students through the gala and other events that help change the culture. The gala supports the efforts of RCA that prioritize traditional values and family-centered learning.

Reserve your seat. Bring your community. Ignite the culture.
This evening is designed to encourage, inspire, and mobilize individuals and families to lead with conviction and transform the world around them.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tenn.

Magnolia Terrace
6–9:30 p.m. — Pre-screening of “Triumph of the Heart”
6–7 p.m. — VIP Cocktail Hour
7–9 p.m. — Pre-screening Movie
9–9:30 p.m. — Q&A with Director

Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tenn.
Attire: Formal; black tie optional

Tennessee Ballroom
9–10 a.m. — Mass with Fr. Mike Schmitz (please arrive by 8:30 a.m. for check-in)
12–1:30 p.m. — January Donovan: The Art of Being a Woman (open to all guests)
12–1:30 p.m. — Media Summit (networking for influencers, producers, directors, talent, podcasters, news outlets)
12–3 p.m. — VIP Lounge
4–5 p.m. — Private VIP Event with Fr. Mike Schmitz
4:30–5:30 p.m. — Photo Op and Meet and Greet with Speakers

Presidential Ballroom
5:30 p.m. — Doors Open
6–8:30 p.m. — Gala Dinner and Speeches
8:30–11 p.m. — Whiskey and Cigar Afterparty (Invite Only)

Limited Tickets Available

Tickets are on sale now, with VIP packages offering exclusive access to private receptions, premium seating, and speaker interactions.

To purchase tickets, visit: www.CourageUnderFireGala.org
For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, contact: info@courageunderfiregala.org

About Courage Under Fire

Courage Under Fire is a national initiative dedicated to strengthening families, upholding moral values, and inspiring the next generation through faith, education, and cultural leadership. Through compelling speakers and transformative discussions, the gala equips individuals to live with faith, courage, and conviction in their daily lives.