An Atlantic City gala celebrating 35 years of civic partnership raised more than $500,000 to beautify city neighborhoods, expand scholarship opportunities and help provide food to South Jersey families facing hunger.
The Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association (MBCA) hosted its 35th annual Installation and Awards Gala on Friday, Oct. 23, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The celebration brought together more than 700 business and casino leaders, nonprofit organizations, and sponsors.
Proceeds will benefit the MBCA Foundation’s Beautify AC campaign and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, impacting Atlantic City neighborhoods and families across the region.
Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and Hard Rock Digital and CEO of Seminole Gaming, received the MBCA’s 2026 Community Spirit Award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to Atlantic City.
The evening’s theme, “Rooted in Atlantic City,” reflected Allen’s deep South Jersey ties. A Linwood native and Mainland Regional High School graduate, Allen began his career In 1979, as a cook at Bally’s Park Place before moving up the ranks as a general manager and eventually becoming an international leader in the gaming, entertainment and hospitality industries. His career has spanned nearly five decades, but he has maintained a close connection to the community where it began.
“This is what life is about — to help others,” Allen said as he discussed the money raised and the people it will serve.
The gala raised $200,000 for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Allen and his wife, Shelly, personally contributed an additional $100,000, bringing the total gift to the FoodBank to $300,000.
Event organizers described the combined contribution as the largest single-event donation in the FoodBank’s history.
“The Community FoodBank of New Jersey makes a positive impact on thousands of families who struggle with food insecurity in our region, and we are honored to help them continue their important work,” Allen said.
He said the contribution was especially meaningful because of his New Jersey roots.
“I grew up in New Jersey, and we are proud to be a part of this community,” Allen said. “We are grateful to have this opportunity to give back to an organization that continues to help provide essential resources to our neighbors.”
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the state’s largest anti-hunger organization. It provides food to more than 800 local food assistance organizations across 15 counties while connecting residents with resources intended to support long-term stability.
The FoodBank’s Southern Branch, located at 6735 Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township, serves Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties. It operates an on-site pantry, provides mobile food distributions and helps connect residents with additional assistance.
The remaining gala proceeds will support the MBCA Foundation’s Beautify AC campaign, which works to make Atlantic City a better place to live, work and visit through new parks, beautification projects and scholarships for future community leaders.
One of the campaign’s most visible projects is MBCA Park, which opened Aug. 18 at Pacific and North Carolina avenues. The project transformed a vacant corner into a welcoming public space with seating, landscaping and artwork.
The park was created through a collaboration involving local businesses, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, artists, students and volunteers. The MBCA Foundation hopes it will be the first of several projects creating inviting community spaces throughout Atlantic City.
Atlantic City businessmen and community leaders Gary Hill and John Schultz formed the MBCA to bring businesses, residents and community organizations together to strengthen the city.
Thirty-five years later, the group continues that mission under the leadership of co-executive director Scott Cronick and Chief Operating Officer Aimee Schultz. Its membership includes casinos, businesses, nonprofit organizations and residents from across the Greater Atlantic City region.
The MBCA supports civic events and local nonprofits, invests in neighborhood improvements and awards scholarships to area students.
Along with recognizing his professional accomplishments, the Community Spirit Award honored Allen’s philanthropy and commitment to giving back. “It reflects Hard Rock’s longtime motto, “Love All, Serve All,” said Hard Rock Atlantic City President George Goldhoff.
