Finding His Voice: CK Vire

12/3/2025 12AM

Indianapolis teen CK Vire performs during Allied Solutions Center's Songwriting class, using skills he learned in Intro to Ukulele.

How One Student Discovered Confidence
and Community Through the Performing Arts

 

At Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, we believe the arts have the power to transform lives. Every day, learners of all ages walk through our doors to discover new skills, express themselves, and grow in confidence. Among them is a remarkable young man whose journey captures exactly why our education programs matter: CK Vire.

 

A New Home and a New Beginning

 

When CK was adopted at 9 years old, he had already lived in 13 different foster homes, more moves and goodbyes than any child should ever experience. Adjusting to a new family, a new routine, and a new definition of “home” was overwhelming.

 

His father, Kevin Wanzer of Indianapolis, searched for ways to help CK heal and build trust. That search led him to Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.

 

“What CK lacked in confidence, he made up for in curiosity,” Kevin said. “We just needed to find the right opportunities to help him grow. That’s where the programs at Allied Solutions Center came in.”

 

Discovering Joy Through the Arts

 

CK enrolled in the Ukulele, Songwriting and Stand-Up Comedy classes – each one unlocking something new inside him.

 

“The Ukulele class gave me the confidence to follow my passion,” CK said. “The Songwriting class? Who knew I had a hidden talent just waiting to be discovered? But hands down, my favorite class must be Stand-Up Comedy.”

 

Seven years later at age 16, CK has come into his own. He even had the chance to perform for Artistic Director Michael Feinstein and a group of donors on the Payne & Mencias Palladium stage – an experience that sparked new dreams and a deeper confidence in himself and his musical skills.

 

“The transformation in CK’s life has been extraordinary,” Kevin said. “From confidence-building workshops to music sessions, the classes have been a revelation. CK has grown in ways you simply cannot imagine.”

 

Why Your Support Matters

 

Stories like CK’s are made possible because of generous people in our community who believe in the power of the arts. Your support ensures that children, teens and adults can find healing, joy, creativity and connection through our educational programs.

 

And right now, you can make twice the impact. John C. and Marianne S. Hart of J.C. Hart Company are matching all new and increased gifts up to $5,000 through December 31.

 

As we close out the year, we invite you to help ignite creativity and confidence across our community. Your support today can be the catalyst for someone’s future, a chance for another young person to discover their voice, their courage and their place in the world.

 

Please make your year-end gift here by December 31 to keep the music, laughter and inspiration alive in the new year.