Co-chairs lead planning for annual gala
2/19/2025 12AM
Chairing the Gala Steering Committee for Allied Solutions Center's annual Center Celebration are Carmel residents (from left) Michael and Caroline Garvey and Annette and David Greene. (photo by Joshua Hasty)
Center Celebration 2025 marks 15th anniversary season
CARMEL, Ind. – As Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts approaches its 15th anniversary next year, a committee of local volunteers is making plans for its annual gala fundraiser, the Center Celebration 2025 presented by Ice Miller.
Scheduled Sept. 20 at the Palladium with host Michael Feinstein, the event will include cocktails, dinner, a live auction, a headlining performance by another nationally known artist, and two after-parties. All proceeds support Allied Solutions Center’s arts programming and its growing menu of education and enrichment opportunities for people of all ages. The headliner will be announced when tables go on sale March 11. More information is available at TheCenterPresents.org/Gala.
Leading the Gala Steering Committee this year are Carmel residents Caroline and Michael Garvey, now serving their second year as co-chairs, and David and Annette Greene, serving the first of their two years as co-chairs.
The Garveys also have supported the gala for the past three years as after-party sponsors or table hosts. Michael is Chief Financial Officer for SC Bodner Co. in Carmel, and Caroline is an Emmy Award-winning journalist familiar to local TV viewers as evening news anchor Caroline Thau.
“We have witnessed this Center's gala grow from not only one of the most beautiful and fun nights of the year, but to a can't-miss event, as we experienced last year when the tables sold out so early,” Caroline Garvey said. “It is heartwarming to know that the dollars contributed to this special night go to make sure that all of central Indiana, young and old, disadvantaged or in need, can experience the finest in music and the arts and know that it can and does change lives.”
The Greenes are longtime patrons of Allied Solutions Center, looking forward to the co-chair experience after serving on the committee previously and learning more about the Center’s impact. David recently retired as Region President for First Merchants Bank, ongoing sponsor of the gala’s opening cocktail reception. Annette is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant for Northwest Radiology.
“Allied Solutions Center is a true gem in our community, serving as a stunning centerpiece that brings people together,” David Greene said. “It enriches every segment of society, offering opportunities for learning and enjoying the performing arts and ensuring that everyone can experience their transformative power."
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 2024 presented by Ice Miller, with trumpeter Chris Botti as the headliner, generated more than $588,000 in support of Allied Solutions Center’s mission “to inspire and engage the Indiana community with enriching arts experiences.”
“Every year, our partners and donors contribute to the success of this event in so many different ways,” said President and CEO Jeffrey C. McDermott. “The gala truly is a community celebration.”
About Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts
The mission of nonprofit Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts is to engage and inspire the Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. Its campus in Carmel, Indiana, includes the 1,500-seat 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 Center Presents performance series, featuring the best in classical, 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 music classes. 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.
