Published on: September 15, 2025, at 10:18 AM.
Updated on: September 15, 2025, at 10:39 AM.
- The Reform Alliance hosted its Casino Night & Gala in Atlantic City on Saturday
- This star-studded occasion generated approximately $20 million for criminal justice reform
The second iteration of the Reform Alliance Casino Night & Gala in Atlantic City was an outstanding triumph.
Following the success of its inaugural event in 2023, the Reform Alliance celebrated its biennial signature fundraising gala in the coastal casino town of New Jersey last Saturday, September 13. Again hosted at Ocean Casino Resort, the gala aims to raise funds to “transform probation and parole.”
The Reform Alliance, a nonprofit established in 2019 by Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Robert Kraft, and Michael Rubin, announced a fundraising total of approximately $20 million for the night’s festivities. A host of celebrities were flown in from New York City and beyond to attend the gala, auction, and casino fundraiser.
Our second Casino Night at Ocean Casino Resort was an unforgettable evening. The funds collected will bolster our ‘Work Matters’ initiative and support organizations dedicated to fostering safer communities through our grants program,” the organization remarked.
The inaugural gala in 2023 managed to raise $24 million. The “Work Matters” initiative connects job seekers with challenging legal backgrounds to employers, also educating businesses on the benefits of second-chance hiring.
Celebrity-Filled Gala
The second Casino Night & Gala was indeed a star-studded event. Notable attendees included Beyoncé, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Travis Scott, DJ Khaled, Cameron Diaz, Benji Madden, Tiffany Haddish, Fabolous, and Ne-Yo.
Celebrities participating in the high-stakes blackjack tournament included Diaz, Jay-Z, French Montana, and Tyrese Haliburton. Kevin Hart served as the emcee, while The Weeknd headlined the night’s performances. Surprises from Scott, Ice Spice, Quavo, Khaled, and Chase B kept the celebration lively into the early morning hours.
Speaker James Severe shared his impactful story about being affected by what he called a “broken” probation and parole system. He testified about how Reform has aided him in regaining stability and reentering the workforce.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the venue when James Severe recounted how a technical violation nearly derailed his future — and how after benefiting from a law Reform passed — he has rebuilt his life as a TV and film coordinator at RocNation, and most importantly, as a father to his two-year-old son,” the organization shared.
Severe endured two years in prison following various legal issues.
“Severe’s youth was characterized by … forgery, a marijuana offense, and a burglary incident wherein the stolen items included a stick of butter, ground beef, and a gaming console. While none of these acts involved violence, they led him through years of probation, house arrest, and finally, incarceration,” the Reform Alliance clarified.
Auction Highlights
In addition to the gaming proceeds, the Reform Alliance Gala garnered substantial revenue through its high-end auction.
A round of golf with Tom Brady at Michael Jordan’s exclusive Grove XXIII country club fetched $1.8 million. Michael Rubin secured a George Condo artwork for $3.4 million, and a private concert by Megan Thee Stallion went for $600,000. A piece by Rashid Johnson also sold for $1.8 million.