A founder-run event companyAbout
Unforgettable events powered by expertise
At Ace The Event, we are passionate about creating seamless, elevated fundraising experiences that leave a lasting impression. Our mission is to Amplify Charitable Engagement by combining exceptional customer service, expert guidance, and a commitment to excellence at every stage of your event journey from initial planning through flawless event execution.
As specialists in mobile bidding platforms, we provide comprehensive pre-event strategy and preparation, along with professional on-site support to ensure your event runs flawlessly. From campaign guidance and volunteer training to guest check-in, bidding assistance, auction management, and payment processing, our experienced team serves as an extension of yours, allowing you to focus on engaging your donors and advancing your mission.
Building trust & connections for non-profits across the U.S.
Perfectly planned for success
Exceptional customer service is at the heart of what we do. We prioritize your needs, providing responsive support and proactive solutions to exceed expectations. With Ace The Event, you’re not just hosting an event – you’re creating an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression on your guests and achieves your mission with impact.
Our Vision: To offer our clients, non-profit organizations of all sizes, a “One-Stop-Shop” experience that transforms the world of fundraising, while remaining devoted to their success.
History
Ace the Event was founded in 2021 by Kelly and Nick with a shared vision: to help nonprofit organizations succeed through exceptional event support. They recognized that many nonprofits needed a more streamlined, supportive approach to fundraising and set out to build a one-stop-shop that could deliver just that.
Since launching in early 2022, Ace the Event has been driven by a clear purpose – connecting nonprofits with the tools, staff, and services they need to host impactful events and raise more funds for their missions. Built on a foundation of dedication and trust, ACE has become a valued partner to hundreds of nonprofits nationwide, offering expert staffing, hardware rentals, training, and campaign support.
From client services and campaign advising to staffing coordination and tech support, our behind-the-scenes team works tirelessly to ensure our nonprofits – and their events – shine.
With a nationwide team of over 600 professionals, including event managers and on-site support staff, everyone at ACE shares one goal: to make every fundraising event as successful and seamless as possible.
Our commitment to nonprofit success remains at the heart of everything Ace the Event does.
Lead with Integrity & Compassion
Integrity is the foundation of ACE. We value honesty, reliability, and respect in every interaction. Whether working with clients, guests, teammates, or volunteers, professionalism and kindness are paramount.
Have a Heart for Service
Service is at the core of ACE’s mission. With the client’s best interests in mind, we recognize the importance of every cause and feel privileged to contribute to their success.
Be Diligent in All Things
We encourage our team to always put their best foot forward. Whether tackling a major challenge or handling the smallest task, diligence, reliability, and consistent effort make the difference.
Our values
We prioritize service at every step. During the planning phase, our dedicated team offers expert guidance, tailoring strategies to fit your vision while addressing every detail with precision. On event day, we bring ACE’s core values – integrity, service excellence, and reliability – to life, ensuring everything runs smoothly and reflects your goals.
A woman-owned, founder-run
American company
Kelly Rio
Founder & CEO
Kelly, Founder and CEO of Ace the Event, brings a deep background in non-profits, events, marketing, and on-site campaign support. Her passion for helping nonprofit organizations succeed is rooted in years of hands-on experience. As CEO, Kelly leads the company’s vision and strategic direction, while remaining deeply engaged with the daily needs of both clients and team members. She saw the need for reliable, knowledgeable event staff who genuinely understand the fundraising space – and built Ace the Event to deliver expert support that ensures fundraising goals are not only met, but exceeded.
Nick Rio
Co-Founder & Director of Business Development
Nick, Co-Founder and Director of Business Development of Ace the Event, brings a strong background in computer technology and information systems, along with a passion for innovation in the nonprofit event space. Recognizing a growing need for hands-on tech support at fundraisers, he partnered with Kelly to launch Ace the Event. Nick drives the technical processes that power ACE’s internal operations, playing a vital behind-the-scenes role in ACE’s core operations, as well as every event. His expertise ensures a seamless, stress-free experience for clients, so organizations can stay focused on their mission.
Samantha Mildner
Director of Client Relations
With over a decade of nonprofit experience, Samantha is the heart of our client experience at Ace the Event. Having been a firsthand user of mobile bidding and ACE’s services, Samantha has come full circle, now helping nonprofits create the same exceptional experiences. She brings a deep understanding of mission-driven work to every partnership. Samantha oversees all aspects of client engagement throughout the year and provides personalized support.
Cary Ann Moody
Director of Sales
With years of experience in mobile bidding technology sales and the nonprofit sector, Cary Ann brings deep knowledge of event fundraising and tech. As the first friendly face you’ll meet when booking with Ace the Event, she takes time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and thoughtfully tailor each package. Her genuine care set the stage for a successful partnership from day one and help ensure every event gets off to the best possible start.
Stephanie Havely
Training & Development Manager
As the driving force behind both our internal team’s success and client results, Stephanie brings over 12 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising technology. She ensures our staff is trained to ACE standards while delivering personalized support and ongoing professional development year-round.
Kara Haar
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Leading the charge in finding passionate, driven individuals, Kara ensures we continue building a strong team dedicated to delivering unforgettable event experiences. With 7 years of recruitment experience and a background in nonprofits, she brings a deep understanding of what it takes to build a high-performing team.
Campaign Advisors
At Ace the Event, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated Campaign Advisors – your go-to experts for planning, training, and preparation. With combined 50 years of experience, our team specializes in optimizing your campaign site to ensure a smooth and successful event. Advisors Angie, Amanda, Leigh, and Stephanie bring a wealth of knowledge, care, and energy to every campaign, playing a vital role in setting our clients up for success.
Managers & Support Staff
At ACE the Event, our On-Site Staff are the heart of our event execution. With over 600 trained professionals across the country, we deliver consistent, high-quality support wherever your event takes place. From greeting guests at check-in to assisting with bidding and auction logistics, our on-site staff are equipped to adapt, anticipate needs, and handle challenges with calm efficiency.
Your personalized discovery session awaits!
This complimentary session is designed to explore your event vision, goals, and unique needs.
Together, we’ll discuss your fundraising plans, identify opportunities for success, and provide personalized guidance on the Ace the Event services that best align with your organization’s objectives.