All-Star Evening 2025: A Night of Celebration, Community, and Impact

On May 15, we asked our biggest supporters to step off the sidelines by joining us at The Fillmore Minneapolis for our Annual All-Star Evening. Thanks to all of YOU, we knocked it out of the park yet again!

Our 2025 All-Star Evening was a powerful celebration of the potential of our ACES students to flourish, the impact of community connection, and our shared commitment to education equity. More than 500 supporters came together to help empower our youth to thrive in the classroom, their community and beyond. Whether you joined us at the Fillmore or got in the game from afar, thank you for being part of this unforgettable night.

From the enthusiastic student introductions that stole the show to the inspirational words of keynote speaker Channing Chasten to the ongoing celebrations at the first-ever afterparty, this year’s All-Star Evening was one for the highlight reel. We’re excited to relive the magic with you through all of the special moments captured by Coppersmith Photography!

Where Your Support Goes

The funds raised at All-Star Evening will go directly toward:

  • Expanding ACES programming to reach more students across the Twin Cities metro area.

  • Investing in high-impact curriculum development, rooted in sports-based, culturally relevant, and engaging content.

  • Training and supporting our dedicated Academic Coaches, who build lasting relationships and foster safe, joyful learning environments.

  • Creating enriching field trips and events, including visits to professional sports venues and hands-on STEM experiences.

Because of your support, more students will be empowered to thrive in the classroom, in their communities, and beyond.

Want to Keep the Momentum Going?

There are plenty of ways you can stay in the game with ACES between now and next year’s event:

  • Become a Game-Changer: Join our Starting Lineup of supporters who make a lasting impact by making a one-time or monthly donation. Donations support hands-on learning that helps our ACES students build confidence in Math and social-emotional skills.

  • Join the Roster: From special events to classroom visits, we’d love to have you on our team. Volunteer with our in-class programs or events and see ACES game plans in action!

  • Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our newsletter to get stories of student growth, behind-the-scenes updates, and special announcements. Follow ACES on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn to help amplify our mission by sharing our posts with your network.

  • Corporate Sponsorship: Interested in deeper partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn how your company can team up with ACES year-round.

  • Explore More Ways to Get Involved: Visit our Get Involved page to see how you can be part of our winning team all year long.

Together, we’re building a future where all youth have the power to lead, learn, and succeed. Let’s keep this winning streak going!

Thank you to our Sponsors and Supporters

Special thank you to our incredible sponsors who left it all on the field for Minnesota students. 

Presenting Sponsor: Architect Mechanical, Inc. 

MVP+ and MVP Sponsors: Compass Capital, Dale Peterson

Mystery Ticket Wall and Exclusive Sponsor: Treasure Island Resort & Casino 

Champion Sponsors: Holiday / Circle K, Ken Fairchild, Mairs and Power, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild, MyMeds, Neuger, Rajiv & Rajni Shah, St. Paul Saints, TRIA Orthopedics, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Vivacity Tech

Table Sponsors: All Star Financial, Andrea Yoch, Blaze Credit Union, Bolger, Brad & Susie Melnick, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Erik & Elizabeth Jensen, First Independence Bank, Hunsaker Family & Friends, InterMed Consultants, Joy and James Hereford, JP Morgan Chase, Julia & David Klema, Julia Klema & Courtney Kelley WCC, Matt & Nikki Scanlon, Medtronic, Michael & Amy Cash, Minnesota United FC, Platinum Bank, Re-Bath Minneapolis, Richfield-Bloomington Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, SportsEngine / NBC SportsNext, STAR, Tom & Amy Foley, Tradition Companies

Team Captains: Alex Clark and Christina Saunders, Bell Bank, Boyum Barenscheer, Connections to Independence, Daniel Munson, Fredrickson & Byron, Larry & Pamela McKenzie, MFG Financial Advisors, MFG Tax Advisors, Navigate Forward

Additional Sponsors: Guardian Resources, Jim Shaver & Nancy Speer, Players Health

Jennifer SchultzComment