On June 4, 20222 over 700 people celebrated Atlantic City’s Mayor Marty Small Sr, inauguration at his “Together We Rise” Inaugural Gala, held at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.

Mayor Small’s high-profile charity fundraiser, with a special guest appearance by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist Mary J. Blige.
With 100% percent of the $536,000 raised going directly to Atlantic City Youth organizations, such as; 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.

Mayor Small kick off the Gala with a ribbon-cutting ceremony joined by his family, John Koster, Caesars Entertainment Regional President; Joe Lodise, Senior Vice President/General Manager of Caesars Atlantic City; and Gregg Klein, Senior Vice President/General Manager of Harrah’s Resort. The ribbon-cutting was followed by a red carpet entrance for VIPs, local dignitaries, members of the community, and celebrity guests from Philly such as WDAS’s Patty Jackson, Kyree Terrell, Buckwild, and former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman and NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger.

“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.