ATLANTIC CITY — The Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association raised more than $500,000 during its 35th annual Installation and Awards Gala on Friday, Oct. 23, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
The money will support the MBCA Foundation’s Beautify AC campaign and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and Hard Rock Digital and CEO of Seminole Gaming, received the MBCA’s 2026 Community Spirit Award for his longstanding commitment to Atlantic City.
A South Jersey native, Allen began his career in Atlantic City before becoming a leader in the international gaming, entertainment and hospitality industries. His career has spanned nearly five decades, but he has continued to maintain close ties to the community where he got his start.
Allen helped lead the purchase and redevelopment of the former Trump Taj Mahal, which reopened as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in June 2018. The project returned thousands of jobs to the Boardwalk and introduced a new music- and entertainment-focused resort to the city.
Jim and Shelly Allen donate $100,000
The gala raised $200,000 for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Allen and his wife, Shelly, personally donated an additional $100,000, bringing the total contribution to the FoodBank to $300,000.
Organizers said the $300,000 is 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.
“I grew up in New Jersey, and we are proud to be a part of this community,” he added. “We are grateful to have this opportunity to give back to an organization that continues to provide essential resources to our neighbors.”
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the state’s largest anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization. It supplies food to more than 800 local food-assistance organizations and connects residents with services intended to promote long-term stability.
The organization’s Southern Branch in Egg Harbor Township serves Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties, including residents of Atlantic City. The branch operates an on-site pantry, provides mobile food distributions and assists residents applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Supporting a cleaner, stronger Atlantic City
The remaining proceeds will benefit the MBCA Foundation and its Beautify AC campaign. The program supports park installations, neighborhood improvements and scholarships for local students.
One of the campaign’s largest projects is MBCA Park, which opened in August at Pacific and North Carolina avenues. The project transformed a vacant corner lot into a public space with landscaping, seating and art for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The park was created through a partnership involving local businesses, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, artists, students and volunteers. The MBCA Foundation hopes it will be the first of several projects created to improve Atlantic City neighborhoods.
Honoring community leadership
The MBCA was started by Atlantic City businessman and community leader John Schultz to bring businesses, residents and community organizations together to improve the city.
Today, the organization continues that mission under the leadership of Executive Director Scott Cronick and Chief Operating Officer Aimee Schultz. Its members include casinos, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and residents from across the Greater Atlantic City region.
The MBCA supports civic events, works with community organizations and provides scholarships to area students.
Allen’s Community Spirit Award recognized both his professional accomplishments and his philanthropic work. Organizers said his commitment reflects Hard Rock’s “Love All, Serve All” mission.
“We are honored to host such an impactful evening and raise funds for our community,” said George Goldhoff, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “Philanthropy is at the heart of what we do, and Jim Allen is such an incredible representation of our core values.”
