Mayor Small’s Inaugural Galas Raise More Than $1 Million for Atlantic City Organizations
Ten local organizations received a combined $316,000 following the mayor’s 2026 “The Future Is Ours” gala at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s two inaugural galas have raised more than $1 million for Atlantic City nonprofit and community organizations, according to the City of Atlantic City.
Small announced Tuesday, Sept. 16, that his 2026 inaugural gala raised more than $459,000. Representatives from 10 local organizations received checks during a presentation at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, which hosted the 2026 The Future is Ours gala in May.
Small’s first inaugural gala, held in 2022, raised more than $611,000.
“I set the bar extremely high for this year’s gala, and while we did not reach our ambitious goal, I am incredibly proud that we were still able to make a significant impact for these wonderful Atlantic City organizations,” Small said.
Mark Tyler
“As mayor, it is my responsibility to find ways to make a positive difference in our community, and raising more than $1 million is something that will make a meaningful difference,” he continued. “I sincerely thank everyone who played a role in making this year’s gala a success by attending, organizing, promoting or donating to the cause.”
According to the city, proceeds remaining after event expenses were distributed to organizations serving young people, senior citizens, veterans and the arts, as well as groups supporting other community initiatives.
Mark Tyler
The organizations and their respective awards were:
- Atlantic City Police Athletic League, the gala’s primary beneficiary — $56,000
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. — $35,000
- Atlantic City senior citizens — $35,000
- The HOPE Foundation — $35,000
- Create 48 — $30,000
- AC Elite Football — $30,000
- The Omega by the Sea Foundation — $30,000
- Saracini-O’Neill Foundation — $25,000
- Atlantic City’s Bangladeshi community — $25,000
- Kenneth B. Hawkins American Legion Post 61 — $15,000
The awards listed by the city total $316,000.
The 2026 inaugural gala was held May 30. Its theme, “Faith. Resilience. Redemption: The Future Is Ours,” was inspired by Small’s 2026 State of the City address and reflected the administration’s message about Atlantic City’s progress and future.
The event was organized through a collaboration among the City of Atlantic City, the Mayor’s Inaugural Gala Committee and planning partner Masterpiece Advertising.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City President George Goldhoff also praised Small’s support for organizations serving the Atlantic City community during the check presentation.
Enjoy this photo gallery from the presentation ceremony:
Photo Gallery Credit: Edward B. Lea, City of Atlantic CityPhp
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