Five Key Moments from the REFORM Alliance Casino Night Ga…
Some of entertainment’s biggest names helicoptered their way to Atlantic City, N.J., to take part in Michael Rubin’s REFORM Alliance’s Casino Night & Gala over the weekend. Held Sept. 13 at Ocean Casino Resort, the black-tie event was equal parts glamorous celebration and high-powered fundraiser. The Gala helped raise money to support REFORM’s goal of transforming national probation and parole systems.
The organization was founded in January 2019 in response to the re-imprisonment of rapper and REFORM board member, Meek Mill. While Meek’s celebrity status allowed for the spotlight of his story, those trapped in the system don’t always have the same benefits or resources. Since its launch, the nonprofit has helped pass 22 bipartisan bills across 12 states, creating opportunities for thousands of individuals to successfully exit supervision and reintegrate into society.
Alongside Meek, the board includes Jay-Z and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. With a team stacked with heavyweights, it should come as no surprise that the night’s guest list was equally as star-studded. Spotted in the crowd were Beyoncé, Travis Scott, Jamie Foxx, and a long list of cultural figures and special guests. One of those guests was James Severe, a formerly incarcerated man who found success thanks to REFORM’s efforts. Hosted by Kevin Hart, the evening carried the energy of a comedy show, an awards gala, and a Vegas-style casino party all under one roof. The event raised more than $20 million for the cause, an impressive amount for the follow-up to the Alliance’s inaugural event in 2023.
Complex was fortunate enough to be on the ground at the invite-only shindig. Here are five key moments from the unforgettable evening.
The Weeknd’s 40-Minute Set
Fresh off the announcement of the extension of his After Hours Til Dawn stadium tour, The Weeknd delighted the crowd with a 40-minute set of 13 songs from “The Hills” to “Timeless” inside the resort’s Ovation Hall. Travis Scott was seen screaming the lyrics to most–if not all–of the Grammy winner’s tracks, while host Kevin Hart was seen dancing during “Blinding Lights.”
Mike Dean Joins The Weeknd
Elsewhere during The Weeknd’s set, producer and frequent collaborator Mike Dean joined on stage for his set. Throughout the night, performances from Quavo, Latto, Travis Scott, DJ Khaled, and Ice Spice kept guests entertained.
High-Profile Blackjack Tournament
Real HOV fans know that the rap icon is no stranger to a blackjack table, and he was reportedly a semi-finalist during the night’s exclusive tournament held at the resort’s Bark Book & Games section. The Jigga Man, French Montana, Tyrese Haliburton, and Taylor Rooks were among some of the big names vying for the jackpot, but ultimately, guest Andrew Ramus made off with the $1 million prize.
Tiffany Haddish vs. Robert Kraft
Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish and the CEO of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft, were embroiled in a bidding war for the coveted prize of 9 holes of golf with Tom Brady at Michael Jordan’s Grove XXIII golf club in Florida. Brady reportedly joined in via Zoom, and Kraft bid nearly $1 million to hit the range with his old friend.
Custom Jay-Z Watch Sold for Over $1M
One lucky partygoer won a bidding war for a custom Audemars Piguet timepiece, made exclusively for Jay-Z, and donated from his personal collection for auction. Among other auction prizes: an exclusive concert from Megan Thee Stallion and a one-of-one painting by artist George Condo, which reportedly sold for a whopping $3.4 million.