ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – June 6, 2022 – More than 700 attendees celebrated Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s inauguration at his “Together We Rise” Inaugural Gala, held at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Tickets to the high-profile charity fundraiser sold out, and an after-party featured a special guest appearance by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist Mary J. Blige.
While Mayor Small had announced a goal of raising $500,000 with the gala, that target was exceeded, with the charity event raising over $536,000 for several Atlantic City youth organizations. One hundred percent of the gala’s proceeds went to the Greater Atlantic City Youth Association, Inc., a non-profit that will provide the funds to the Atlantic City Dolphins, Atlantic City Police Athletic League, Boys & Girls of Club of Atlantic City, Empowerment Tools Coalition, and Omega by the Sea Foundation.
The black-tie gala kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony including the mayor, his family, and executives from Harrah’s Resort, which was followed by a red carpet entrance for VIPs, local dignitaries, and celebrity guests and members of the community.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to raise this much money to support the youth in Atlantic City,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. “I made it clear from the start that this would not be a political event, but rather a fundraiser. To have raised more than $536,000 for the children of our great city shows what can happen when great people work together for the good of Atlantic City and its future. Together, we will rise indeed.”
Mary J. Blige’s appearance at the official after-party, also held at Harrah’s Resort, was capped off by Mayor Small presenting the global superstar with a key to the city. The singer also introduced her Sun Goddess wine collection at the event, which featured sets by “The Prince of New York” DJ Self (Power 105.1 FM) and “The Handz That Rockz the Tables” DJ Marty Geez. Entertainment during the gala portion of the evening included live music by Darchele Todd & Ascension Music Co., along with music by DJ Doc B of Philadelphia’s Power 99 FM.
