Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. has revealed some key details for his 2026 Inaugural Gala, which promises to be a celebration like no other, while serving a greater purpose by making a difference in the community. Mayor Small set the ambitious goal of raising at least $750,000 to support a wide range of local charities.

Set for Saturday, May 30, 2026, the gala will take place from 8:00 to 11:00 PM in the Seminole Ballroom at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. A VIP reception will precede the event from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, followed by an official afterparty at 11:00 PM also at Hard Rock. Tickets are priced at $300 for the gala and afterparty and $50 for just the afterparty, with all proceeds minus event expenses directly benefiting local nonprofits and community organizations.

The mayor’s first inaugural gala in 2022 raised more than $611,000 for youth-focused initiatives, as this year’s event aims to surpass that total, expanding its impact across multiple parts of the community. Proceeds this year will directly benefit not only youth organizations, but also seniors, veterans, the arts and other community groups:

YOUTH

• Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL), supporting programs that foster positive relationships between officers and local youth.  
• AC Elite Football, assisting with travel expenses for young athletes who are learning the game that they love.

SENIOR

• Atlantic City Senior Citizens, supporting services for Atlantic City residents ages 55 and older through the city’s Senior Services division.

COMMUNITY

• The Omega by the Sea Foundation, supporting scholarship efforts for Atlantic City students and community service projects.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., advancing initiatives to help youth and community members learn and grow through skill building.
• The HOPE Foundation, assisting with financial support to individuals in the community battling serious illness.

VETERANS

• Kenneth B. Hawkins American Legion Post 61, expanding events honoring and offering support to our veterans.
• Saracini-O’Neill Foundation, supporting ceremonies honoring our veterans on Memorial Day, 9/11 and Veterans Day.

MULTICULTURAL

• Atlantic City’s Bangladesh Community, supporting food distribution and assistance programs for local families in need.

ARTS

• Create 48, expanding arts programming and continuing the creation of public murals throughout the city.

Additional gala details will be shared soon.

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