The 16th annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation Dinner took place Friday evening (10/4) at the historic Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. The event is a key component each year of the philanthropic work performed by 33-year veteran WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley on behalf of non-profits across New Jersey and beyond.
The gathering was literally a who’s who of the Garden State’s political, business, health care, and cultural communities including U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), U.S Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, and literally dozens of members of the New Jersey legislature, county leaders, mayors, council members and a broad section of business and industry leaders at the highest level. The gala event, which drew the largest attendance in the event’s colorful history, opened with a video welcome message from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. More than $100,00 was raised at the gathering that evening, which included a remarkably curated silent auction, bringing the foundation’s total to more than $1.75 million.
TALKERS founder/publisher Michael Harrison served as the dinner’s keynote speaker and guest of honor. In his 40-minute presentation, Harrison discussed a variety of topics including the consequential impact of changing technology on society, the state of radio and journalism, the importance of the First Amendment and education in preserving democracy and the challenges facing unique cities such as Atlantic City in carrying on their meaningful legacies in the brave new world of the 21st century. Highlights of Harrison’s speech will be posted to the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel in the coming days.
Harrison stated, “The positive impact Harry Hurley has on South Jersey – economically, politically, and culturally – is a thing of beauty when witnessed up close as I just did this past weekend. I salute Harry, WPG, and Townsquare Media for setting a stunning example of just how consequential this enduring medium of radio can be when operated by such dedicated, resourceful, and community-minded individuals. I was humbled and deeply honored to be able to play a small role in their magnificent efforts.”