REFORM Alliance Raises Over $20 Million at Star-Studded Casino Night Gala

On Saturday night, REFORM Alliance hosted its second Casino Night Gala at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, featuring an exclusive performance by Grammy-winning artist The Weeknd and raising over $20 million for criminal justice reform for the second consecutive year. Co-chaired by Michael Rubin, Meek Mill, and JAY-Z, and emceed by Kevin Hart, the black-tie event highlighted REFORM’s mission to transform the nation’s probation and parole system into one focused on opportunity and well-being rather than reincarceration.

Guests arrived at a luxurious evening with Armand de Brignac, D’USSÉ Spicy Sidecars, and Espresso Martinis, participating in a blackjack tournament, dinner program, live auction, and the Ovation Hall performance by The Weeknd. VIP attendees included Beyoncé, Travis Scott, Ice Spice, Quavo, DJ Khaled, Cameron Diaz, Odell Beckham Jr., Tyrese Haliburton, and numerous others from the entertainment, sports, and business industries.

The dinner program showcased REFORM’s impact, including 22 bipartisan bills across 12 states that have helped 850,000 people transition off supervision into work and family life. In Pennsylvania, reforms reduce incarceration for technical violations, while in Virginia, over 2,000 people avoided reincarceration for first-time technical violations in 2024 alone. Guests heard from James Severe, whose life was transformed by REFORM’s programs.

READ MORE: James Severe’s Journey From Incarceration to Roc Nation Success

The live auction featured standout items such as a round of golf with Tom Brady at Michael Jordan’s private Grove XXIII club for $1.8 million, a Megan Thee Stallion concert for $600,000, a George Condo painting purchased by Michael Rubin for $3.4 million, and works by Rashid Johnson and exclusive Audemars Piguet timepieces, including one from JAY-Z’s collection.

Following the auction, The Weeknd delivered a 40-minute set performing hits including “Starboy,” “Blinding Lights,” and “The Hills.” Guests then joined a VIP blackjack tournament, with Andrew Ramus claiming the $1 million prize after competing against JAY-Z, French Montana, and Tyrese Haliburton. Surprise performances by Travis Scott, Ice Spice, Quavo, DJ Khaled, and Chase B added to the excitement of the night.

Less than 0.01% of philanthropic giving goes to criminal justice reform. Because REFORM’s administrative costs are fully covered by its board, 100% of the $20 million+ raised will support law reform, grassroots expansion, job programs, and community-based initiatives to help Americans on supervision and those re-entering society after incarceration.