Mayor Marty Small Sr.'s 2026 Atlantic City Inaugural Gala Aims to Raise $750K for Local Charities

ATLANTIC CITY — Marty Small Sr. will hold his 2026 Inaugural Gala, an event aimed at raising at least $750,000 to support local nonprofit organizations on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

The gala will be held from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Seminole Ballroom at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. A VIP reception will take place from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by an official afterparty beginning at 11 p.m.

Tickets are $300 for the gala and afterparty, while afterparty-only tickets are available for $50. According to organizers, proceeds — minus event expenses — will directly benefit local charities and community organizations.

“My Inaugural Gala isn’t a political event, it’s a celebration with a purpose,” Small said. “It’s about bringing our community together to support the local organizations that make a difference every day. I encourage everyone in Atlantic City to be part of this. You’ll enjoy an incredible evening while also giving back in a meaningful way.”

Small’s first inaugural gala in 2022 raised more than $611,000 for youth-focused programs. Organizers said this year’s event seeks to surpass that total while broadening its impact to include youth, senior, veteran, multicultural, arts and community-based organizations.

Organizations expected to benefit include the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL), AC Elite Football, Atlantic City Senior Citizens programs, the Omega by the Sea Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., The HOPE Foundation, Kenneth B. Hawkins American Legion Post 61, the Saracini-O’Neill Foundation, Atlantic City’s Bangladesh Community initiatives and Create 48.

This year’s gala theme, “Faith. Resilience. Redemption: The Future is Ours,” was inspired by Small’s 2026 State of the City Address and reflects what organizers described as Atlantic City’s continued progress and growth.

George Goldhoff praised Small’s efforts during the announcement, highlighting the mayor’s commitment to supporting the Atlantic City community.

The City of Atlantic City, the inaugural gala committee and planning partner Masterpiece Advertising said additional details about the event will be released.

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