Fundraiser at Ocean Casino Draws Millions
On September 13, 2025, the energetic atmosphere at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, served as the perfect backdrop for a charitable event that reportedly raised $20 million in one night. The evening, known as REFORM Alliance’s Casino Night & Gala, combined a lavish black-tie experience with a high-stakes blackjack tournament, live auctions, and performances from notable entertainers.
The event featured a guest list filled with prominent figures from the music, sports, and business worlds, with all proceeds aimed at supporting the nonprofit’s efforts in criminal justice reform. Organizers highlighted the exclusive nature of the gala, which included costly entry positions and rare auction items that contributed to the impressive fundraising total. Celebrities like Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Meek Mill, and Michael Rubin played key roles, with Kevin Hart serving as the evening’s host.
Returning to Ocean Casino for its second year, the gala utilized the venue’s unique setting to create an engaging fundraising atmosphere. Reports portrayed the event as an exciting blend of gaming and generosity, keeping attendees involved and entertained throughout the night.
The centerpiece of the fundraiser was a blackjack tournament, which required an entry fee significantly higher than typical gala engagements. Additional pricing structures for non-tournament attendees helped maintain an intimate, yet high-stakes environment, allowing a single table to generate substantial contributions. The casino format also encouraged continuous, smaller donations that added up, keeping the energy alive even among guests who didn’t participate in the auction.
The live auction played a crucial role in boosting the evening’s total, featuring a few standout items that caught the attention of bidders. Notable lots included a George Condo painting that sold for $3.4 million, a golf outing with Tom Brady that fetched $1.8 million through competitive bids, and a private concert by Megan Thee Stallion valued at $600,000. Additionally, luxury watches and items from Jay-Z’s collection added exclusivity to the auction mix. The combination of celebrity access and rare opportunities was highlighted as a key factor behind the event’s financial success.
The visibility of the event was enhanced by the high-profile names involved. With Jay-Z, Rubin, and Meek Mill prominently featured in the hosting duties, and The Weeknd headlining the entertainment lineup that included performances by Travis Scott, Ice Spice, and DJ Khaled, the evening’s allure attracted significant media coverage.
The success of the 2025 event, which followed a $24 million haul during the inaugural Casino Night in 2023, underscores a promising trend for REFORM Alliance in its dual efforts of fundraising and advocacy for criminal justice reform. While the gala generated millions swiftly, the organization’s mission focuses on long-term policy changes and the positive impacts on lives affected by the justice system, demonstrating a potent blend of spectacle and purpose.
