Co-chairs named for Center Celebration 2026
2/24/2026 12AM
Feb. 24, 2026
Annual Center Celebration supports arts and educational programming
CARMEL, Ind. – With Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ annual fundraising gala coming in September, its steering committee is already making plans under the leadership of this year’s committee co-chairs.
The Center Celebration 2026 presented by Ice Miller, set for Sept. 19 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, promises to be an unforgettable evening featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, a live auction, after-parties, and entertainment by host Michael Feinstein and a headline artist to be announced in March, when the remaining tables are put on sale. All proceeds support Allied Solutions Center’s arts programming and its growing menu of education and enrichment opportunities for people of all ages. More information is available at TheCenterPresents.org/Gala.
Leading the Gala Steering Committee this year are longtime Carmel residents David and Annette Greene, now serving their second year as co-chairs, and Carl Butler and Jeffrey Goens, serving the first of their two years as co-chairs.
David Greene is a retired Central Indiana banking executive, and Annette is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant with Northwest Radiology. They are frequent patrons of Allied Solutions Center and served on the steering committee for several years before becoming co-chairs last year.
“That’s where we were educated on the mission of Allied Solutions Center. We have truly become huge fans and advocates – hook, line and sinker,” David said. “We believe the Center isn’t merely a venue, it’s the centerpiece of our community, and we love the way it welcomes everyone to experience the wonder of the arts, reaching out to segments of the community that are often underserved.”
Butler and Goens are attorneys who have been concert season subscribers at Allied Solutions Center since its opening and also perform in the Indiana Wind Symphony, one of its six resident arts companies. Butler also serves on the Allied Solutions Center Board of Directors.
“Jeff and I were initially attracted to Allied Solutions Center because it provided easy access to a variety of truly outstanding performances in world-class venues, but we became more involved when we learned of the many incredible outreach programs that provide opportunities for all members of our broader community, regardless of their background or circumstance, to experience, engage in, and learn from the life-changing performances presented here,” Butler said. “I can personally attest that education in, and exposure to, the performing arts can put one’s life on an improved trajectory.”
Programs supported by the gala proceeds include the Peanut Butter & Jam performance series for families with young children; the Prism Project, a performing arts summer camp for youth with disabilities; free matinee performances and science presentations for school groups; a donor-funded Transportation Grant Program that reimburses transportation costs for school groups attending events; and arts classes for adults, including vocal music, songwriting, two levels of stand-up comedy instruction and three levels of ukulele instruction. The gala revenue is generated through table reservations, corporate partnerships, direct donations, and the auction for prize packages including luxury getaways and VIP professional sports experiences, donated by Allied Solutions Center supporters.
Last year’s Center Celebration 2025 presented by Ice Miller, with rocker Richard Marx as the headliner, generated a record $708,000 in support of Allied Solutions Center’s mission “to inspire and engage the Indiana community with enriching arts experiences.”
“The gala really is a communitywide celebration,” President/CEO Jeffrey C. McDermott said. “Each year, I am amazed and grateful to see how our staff, donors, sponsors, partners and artists put all the pieces together to create an event unlike any other in this region.”
About Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts
The mission of Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026, is to engage and inspire the Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. The nonprofit organization’s campus in Carmel, Indiana, includes the 1,500-seat Payne & Mencias Palladium concert hall, the 500-seat Tarkington proscenium theater and the black-box Studio Theater. Allied Solutions Center presents and hosts hundreds of events each year, including the annual Center Presents performance season, featuring the best in classical music, jazz, pop, rock, country, comedy and other genres. Educational and experiential programming for all ages includes children’s concerts and camps, book clubs, lectures, and classes in music and stand-up comedy. Allied Solutions Center is home to the affiliated Great American Songbook Foundation and provides space and support services for six resident arts companies. More information is available at TheCenterPresents.org.
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Chairing this year’s Gala Steering Committee for Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ annual Center Celebration are longtime Carmel residents (from left) David and Annette Greene, Carl Butler and Jeffrey Goens | photo by Joshua Hasty.
