Exclusive culinary fundraising event to debut at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, bringing together top chefs and supporters to fight hunger in South Jersey
HILLSIDE, NJ – Apil 14, 2026
On Friday, June 12, 2026, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) will host its first-ever Meal on a Mission: A Chef’s Tableside Experience at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. This new culinary event will bring together renowned chefs, community leaders, and dedicated supporters for an unforgettable evening benefiting CFBNJ’s mission to end hunger.
Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour featuring culinary students and volunteers, followed by a curated four-course tableside dining experience prepared by premier local chefs and casino restaurant partners. The evening will also include a silent auction offering exclusive items and experiences, followed by a dessert reception.
All proceeds from Meal on a Mission will support CFBNJ’s work providing food for neighbors facing hunger in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties. CFBNJ is New Jersey’s largest anti-hunger, anti-poverty organization, providing food to more than 800 local food assistance organizations across 15 counties and connecting neighbors with resources that support long-term stability.
“Meal on a Mission is more than just a culinary experience, it’s an opportunity for our community to come together around the table to help ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious food,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “With South Jersey facing some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state, events like this are critical in helping us provide meals to those who need them most.”
6abc Action News co-anchor Alicia Vitarelli will serve as the event emcee. Vitarelli, who joined the Action News team in 2010, brings more than a decade of broadcast journalism experience and a strong commitment to community engagement. Known for her coverage of major national events and her role on FYI Philly, she is passionate about highlighting organizations that make a difference. Her participation helps underscore the importance of Meal on a Mission and its impact on the community.
Participating chefs and food vendors will be from Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. More will be added in the coming weeks.
Event sponsors include:
-Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City – Host Sponsor
-The Casino Association of New Jersey – Culinary Visionary
-Ocean Casino Resort – Epicurean Sponsor
“The Casino Association of New Jersey is proud to continue the Casinos United Against Hunger Campaign to support our neighbors in need,” said George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and president, Casino Association of New Jersey. “‘Love All–Serve All’ is the foundational motto of Hard Rock International and a guiding principle of our partnership. Hard Rock’s commitment to social responsibility – reflected in our focus on zero hunger and advancing health and well-being in the communities we serve – is a powerful testament to our dedication. As a partner of CFBNJ, Atlantic City’s casinos will continue to play a vital role in driving meaningful impact, and that is why we are supporting the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Meal on a Mission event this June.”
Just one ticket to Meal on a Mission can help provide up to 1,350 pounds of fresh produce to South Jersey residents facing food insecurity. To purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit cfbnj.org/mealonamission.
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About the Community FoodBank of New Jersey
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) is the largest anti-hunger, anti-poverty organization in the state, where nearly 1.1 million neighbors, including 1 in 7 children, struggle with the emptiness caused by hunger. We are the lead source of nourishing food for 800 pantries serving everyone from infants to college students to families and seniors. Our comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of hunger through food benefits and social services, job training and certification, and food policies that nurture all New Jerseyans. By providing food, help, and hope, we are building a food secure future for New Jersey. CFBNJ is a proud member of Feeding America®.
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
With the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has become Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination. The property features an award-winning gaming floor that offers -2,296 slots, -128 table games, and a dedicated Sportsbook. Boasting more than 15 food and beverage offerings, guests are able to enjoy fine dining at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, and Il Mulino, to casual fare at Hard Rock Cafe, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Sugar Factory, Flavor Tour food court and Fresh Harvest Buffet. The music-inspired resort offers guests a glimpse into the world’s most valuable and largest music memorabilia collection, along with services from Rock Spa® & Salon, which offers rhythm and music inspired treatments like the Soul Survivor Massage. With more than 150,000 square feet of meeting and event space, Hard Rock Atlantic City can fit any bill from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. For more information or to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.
About the Casino Association of New Jersey
The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) is a trade organization that provides a collective voice for the Atlantic City casino industry by facilitating the exchange of information and ideas between our industry, small businesses, Atlantic City stakeholders and the general public. The CANJ consistently advocates for legislation and initiatives that support the ongoing revitalization of Atlantic City into a world-class destination resort. A thriving casino industry drives economic growth, job creation, increased tax revenue for state and local budgets, and prosperity for city residents, hardworking families and businesses which rely on casinos for their livelihood. Our goals are simple: protect and grow the tens of thousands of jobs the casino industry supports across New Jersey and continue Atlantic City’s transformation into a world-class destination resort. The trade organization membership includes the following Atlantic City properties: Bally’s Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Atlantic City, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts Casino Hotel and Tropicana Atlantic City. For additional information, please visit www.casinosnj.org.