ATLANTIC CITY — Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s two inaugural galas have now raised more than $1 million, with $316,000 being distributed to 10 Atlantic City nonprofit and community organizations from this year’s event.
Small announced Wednesday that his May 30 The Future is Ours Inaugural Gala raised more than $459,000.
Combined with the $611,130 raised through Small’s first inaugural gala in 2022, the two events have generated more than $1.07 million in gross fundraising.
“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 in a statement.
Small had set a goal in April of raising at least $750,000 through this year’s event. At the time, the city said proceeds, minus event expenses, would benefit local nonprofits and community organizations.
Representatives of the 10 beneficiaries received checks Wednesday during a presentation at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, where the gala was held.
The Atlantic City Police Athletic League, designated as the main beneficiary, received $56,000.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Atlantic City Senior Citizens and The HOPE Foundation each received $35,000.
Create 48, AC Elite Football and The Omega by the Sea Foundation each received $30,000.
The Saracini-O’Neill Foundation and Atlantic City’s Bangladesh Community each received $25,000, while Kenneth B. Hawkins American Legion Post 61 received $15,000.
Those 10 distributions total $316,000.
The city said all proceeds from the 2026 gala, after event expenses, were distributed directly to the nonprofit and community organizations.
However, Wednesday’s announcement did not specify the total cost of producing the gala. The difference between the more than $459,000 raised and the $316,000 in announced distributions is at least approximately $143,000.
South Jersey NewsBeat has asked the city to confirm the exact amount raised, the total event expenses and whether the $316,000 represents the complete net proceeds distributed to beneficiaries.
The distinction between gross fundraising and the amount ultimately distributed also existed with Small’s first inaugural gala.
The city says the 2022 Together We Rise gala raised $611,130. After expenses, $400,000 was given to Atlantic City youth programs.
Contemporary city records from 2022 listed distributions to several youth organizations, including the Atlantic City Dolphins, Atlantic City Police Athletic League, Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City and other programs.
That means the two galas have raised more than $1.07 million before expenses, while at least $716,000 is documented as having been distributed to beneficiaries after expenses — $400,000 following the 2022 gala and $316,000 from the 2026 event.
“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,” Small said.
“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.”
The $25,000 for the Saracini-O’Neill Foundation was presented during Atlantic City’s Sept. 11 memorial ceremony last week. The volunteer organization maintains the Saracini-O’Neill Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial. The city publicly announced that contribution Sept. 11.
This year’s gala was held May 30 at Hard Rock and carried the theme Faith. Resilience. Redemption: The Future is Ours.
The event was a collaboration among the City of Atlantic City, the Mayor’s Inaugural Gala Committee and planning partner Masterpiece Advertising. Hard Rock Atlantic City President George Goldhoff participated in Wednesday’s check presentation.
Source: City of Atlantic City; additional reporting by South Jersey NewsBeat.
