December 18 event at Noyes Arts Garage will celebrate Black music preservation, education and community service while collecting toys for local children.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society will celebrate its annual Founder’s Day with an afternoon of community recognition, cultural preservation and holiday giving in Atlantic City on Friday, December 18.
The organization's 2026 Founder’s Day Honors Mixer & Toy Drive will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Noyes Arts Garage, bringing together educators, public officials, community leaders, cultural advocates and supporters.
The event will recognize individuals making contributions in education, public service, community leadership, accessibility, family advocacy and the preservation of Black music and culture.
It will also feature a holiday toy drive benefiting Family Success Center Oceanside II.
Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child between the ages of 5 and 11.
“This event allows us to recognize people who are making meaningful contributions in their communities while also introducing more leaders and organizations to the mission of RBPSOC,” said Perry “The Maestro” Thompson, founder of the Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society.
“Founder’s Day is about honoring where we have been, celebrating the people who have supported the work, and building relationships for where we are going next.”
The Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society focuses on preserving Black music culture through education, storytelling, cultural programming, community engagement and historical awareness.
Its work includes partnerships with schools, colleges, libraries, cultural institutions and music-industry professionals to connect the history of Black music with younger generations.
Organizers say the annual Founder’s Day celebration reflects the society's expanding efforts in music education, curriculum development, cultural advocacy and community partnerships.
This year's program will include a networking mixer, a presentation on the history and mission of the organization, the Founder’s Day Honors ceremony and a presentation highlighting the holiday toy drive.
The 2026 honorees will represent a range of professional and community service fields, including higher education, government, libraries, disability advocacy, music education, research and Black cultural scholarship.
Although several honorees have been confirmed, the organization has not yet released the complete list. Additional announcements are expected throughout November and December.
Beyond the awards ceremony, the event is intended to create opportunities for new partnerships in 2027.
The organization is seeking to expand collaborations involving school and college programs, curriculum development, educational lectures, cultural events, sponsorships and Black music preservation projects.
Corporate sponsors, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, small businesses and individuals are invited to participate.
Sponsorship opportunities include a $100 small-business sponsorship and a $50 individual supporter option, along with additional partnership levels.
The society says its mission is to ensure that the history and cultural contributions of Black music remain accessible to future generations through education and community engagement.
Holiday semi-formal attire is encouraged for the December 18 event.
Additional information about reservations, honorees, sponsors and event participation will be announced in the coming weeks.
Those interested in sponsorships, partnerships or event information can contact the Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society at 609-312-8980 or RBPSOC2018@gmail.com.
The organization can also be found on TikTok under RBPSOC.
The Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society's guiding message is: “Preserved Today. Remembered Tomorrow.”
