Atlantic City Shows Up Big at Mayor Small’s Inaugural Gala

Hey Folks,

After spending the day watching the incredible performances at the Soar & Shore Airshow over the Atlantic City beaches, I traded the boardwalk for a tux and headed over to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s Inaugural Gala.

And let me tell you—it was a great night for Atlantic City and abroad.

The Seminole Ballroom was filled with community leaders from all over the region, business owners large and small, residents, bipartisan elected officials , and people who genuinely care about the future of our city. Mayor Small’s Inaugural Gala, real focus was on giving back and supporting organizations that make a difference every day throughout Atlantic City.

The goal of this year’s gala was ambitious: raising $750,000 Gala for local charities and community organizations. Funds generated from the event will benefit youth programs, senior services, veterans groups, arts organizations, and community initiatives that impact the people who call Atlantic City home.

Organizations supported through the gala include the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL), AC Elite Football, Atlantic City Senior Services, the Omega by the Sea Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., The HOPE Foundation, American Legion Post 61, the Saracini-O’Neill Foundation, Atlantic City’s Bangladesh Community, and Create 48.

Having attended countless events across the region over the years, what stood out to me was seeing so many different parts of the community come together in one room. That’s what Atlantic City does best when we’re at our best.

I was honored to attend the gala and spend time with many familiar faces who continue to invest their time, energy, and resources into making our city stronger. We captured some great photos throughout the evening, and I’m happy to share a few moments from a memorable night dedicated to helping others.

Events like this remind us that Atlantic City is about more than casinos and entertainment. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, organizations stepping up, and people working together to create opportunities for future generations.

✈️ From Airshow to Gala

It was one of those classic Atlantic City days. Thousands lined the beaches and Boardwalk for the Soar & Shore Airshow during the afternoon, and by evening many of the same community leaders and supporters gathered under one roof to celebrate and give back. That’s one of the things I love most about this town—you can experience world-class entertainment and meaningful community impact all in the same day.

🥊 What’s Coming Up

• Summer concert season continues at Boardwalk Hall
• Major entertainment events all summer long at Hard Rock Atlantic City
• Family-friendly events and festivals happening throughout Atlantic City, Ocean City, and Cape May

If you’re looking for things to do in Atlantic City, make sure you keep supporting the events and organizations that help make this community special.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making the Mayor’s Gala a successful evening, and thank you to the volunteers, sponsors, and supporters whose contributions will help local charities continue their important work.

Live-Work-Play-AC!
See you on the 48

AC Mike