Total charitable fundraising from Mayor Marty Small, Sr.’s inaugural galas has officially surpassed $1 million, following an announcement at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City where checks were distributed to ten local nonprofit and community organizations.
Mayor Small revealed that his 2026 “The Future is Ours” Inaugural Gala—held on May 30 and inspired by his 2026 State of the City theme, Faith. Resilience. Redemption—raised more than $459,000. Combined with his first inaugural gala in 2022, which brought in more than $611,000, the cumulative fundraising effort has crossed the $1 million milestone to directly support local youth, seniors, veterans, arts, and community services.
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Top Beneficiary: The Atlantic City Police Athletic League served as the main beneficiary, receiving a leading $56,000 allocation.
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Community Distribution: Other organizations receiving substantial awards include 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 Bangladesh Community ($25,000), and Kenneth B. Hawkins American Legion Post 61 ($15,000).
“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,” Mayor Small said, expressing gratitude to donors, organizers, and attendees. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City President and CEO George Goldhoff also commended the mayor during the ceremony for his sustained commitment to the local community.
The event was organized in collaboration with the City of Atlantic City, the Mayor’s Inaugural Gala Committee, and planning partner Masterpiece Advertising, continuing a tradition of leveraging official celebrations to directly empower grassroots organizations across Atlantic City.
