ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – August 25, 2022 – Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. made a historic donation of $611,130 to support youth programs in the city during a special check presentation ceremony held at Resorts Casino on Thursday, August 25, 2022.
With representatives from numerous Atlantic City youth organizations on hand, as well as Resorts Casino owner Morris Bailey, Mayor Small announced that his June 2022 “Together We Rise” Inaugural Gala fundraising event eclipsed his ambitious goal of raising $500,000, bringing in more money for youth-oriented non-profits in the city than any other event of its kind.
Presenting a check to each youth organization individually during the ceremony, Mayor Small was extremely proud to support the future leaders of Atlantic City and carry out his mission to raise an unprecedented amount of money at his landmark inaugural gala event.
“Today was truly a great day in Atlantic City,” said Mayor Small. “To be able to raise the bar in how we can help our children develop and thrive, we should all be extremely proud. Thank you to every single person who generously donated their time, energy, and dollars to this worthy cause, including our amazing sponsors and committee members. And thank you to the youth of this city for inspiring us all to come together for the good of their future. Together, we have proven that anything is possible and that, together, we can truly rise.”
The proceeds from Mayor Small’s gala fundraiser are benefitting the Atlantic City-based 501(c)(3) Greater Atlantic City Youth Association (GACYA), a non-profit organization that is providing funds to the following Atlantic City-based programs:
· Atlantic City Dolphins ($158,000)
· Atlantic City Police Athletic League ($63,000)
· Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City ($63,000)
· Empowerment Tools Coalition ($63,000)
· Omega by the Sea Foundation ($43,000)
· Atlantic City Ballet ($5,000)
· HOPE Foundation ($5,000)
During the check presentation event, Resorts Casino Owner and JEMB Realty Corporation Chairman Morris Bailey was honored for personally donating $35,000 to the mayor’s gala in support of Atlantic City’s youth.
“We, at Resorts, really feel we are part of a family as a part of this city,” said Bailey. “I was born in Atlantic City, and I think we’re going to see great advancements in this community,” said Bailey. “We should be doing more to work together as a team to make Atlantic City one of the most spectacular resorts on the East Coast.”
Mayor Small presented checks to the following youth group representatives on behalf of their respective programs: Greater Atlantic City Youth Association Vice President George Crouch; Atlantic City Police Athletic League Executive Director Will Santiago; Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City Chief Strategy Officer Brian Little; Empowerment Tools Coalition Founder Shermaine Gunter-Gary; and Omega by the Sea Foundation Vice Chairman Michael Epps, Esq.
Mayor Small, who won a four-year term as Mayor of Atlantic City in November 2021, held his Inaugural Gala on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. The gala took place during an exciting weekend of events that included a special appearance by global superstar Mary J. Blige.
