ONE NIGHT. ONE STAGE. UNLIMITED IMPACT. SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
Good evening, friends!
We’re so glad you could join us for the Center Celebration 2025, the annual gathering to support and shine a light on Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts and the rich menu of arts and educational programming it provides for our community. Welcome to the unstoppable supporters who stand behind Allied Solutions Center all year long, as well as the fresh faces who are just learning why our mission inspires such passion.
This one-of-a-kind event at the Payne & Mencias Palladium is a celebration indeed. Enjoy the food, drink, fun and music, especially the intimate post-dinner performance by singer-songwriter Richard Marx. This is the kind of premium experience patrons expect at Allied Solutions Center, and it’s especially exciting this year as we begin the 15th Anniversary Season!
But more importantly, your presence tonight is changing lives, as we gather to raise awareness and generate support for all of the arts and educational programs provided by Allied Solutions Center, including those that don’t always get the spotlight but fill significant needs in our community. The free Student Matinee series creates enlightening field-trip opportunities for school groups throughout central Indiana, with Transportation Grants available to supplement limited travel budgets. The annual New Works commissions give Indiana artists the resources to realize their most ambitious visions. The Prism Project camp is a rare opportunity for young people with disabilities to explore their creative talents and express themselves on stage.
None of this work would be possible without amazing partners, donors and supporters like you. Your contributions, your auction bids, and your very presence here directly support Allied Solutions Center’s mission to engage and inspire the Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. Last year’s gala generated more than $600,000 for the cause, and we can make an even bigger impact tonight.
Special thanks go out to our presenting sponsor, Ice Miller, as well as First Merchants Bank and all the sponsors and community partners who make this wonderful event happen.
Have a wonderful evening!
Michael & Caroline Garvey
David & Annette Greene
Gala Steering Committee Co-Chairs
AUCTION SPONSOR
DESSERT SPONSOR
BAR SPONSOR BRHAM FOUNDERS CLUB AFTER-PARTY SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR RED CARPET ARRIVAL & COCKTAIL RECEPTION SPONSOR
SPONSOR
VALET SPONSOR
ROBERT ADAM ROOM AFTER-PARTY SPONSORS
PLATINUM TABLE SPONSORS
Libby and Randy Brown
GOLD & SILVER TABLE SPONSORS
MIKE & SUE WELLS
Mary Furscott Charitable Trust
Michael and Caroline Garvey
Karen and Michael Heaton
Leah & Eric Payne and Suzanne & Ron Mencias
BRONZE & BOX SUITE SPONSORS
Cook & Associates, LLC
Current in Carmel
Drewry Simmons Vornehm
David & Annette Greene
JLBS Costruction
JP Morgan Chase
Katz, Sapper & Miller
The National Bank Of Indianapolis
Laurie Siler/Pedcor Companies
Payne & Mencias Group
Jim and Ginny Purvis
Dr. Stephen Shideler
SEPTEMBER
20, 2025
EVENT SCHEDULE
5:00PM 6:30PM 8:40PM 9:00PM 10:00PM 12:00AM
First Merchants Bank Red Carpet Arrival & Cocktail Reception
Program Begins (Michael Feinstein Performance, Welcome, Dinner, Special Appeal, & Live Auction)
Intermission
Performance by Richard Marx
After-Parties
•Groovesmash in the Robert Adam Room presented by Open Gate Design & Travis at LM Homes
•Eric Baker in the Brham Founders Club presented by Will and Yasmin Stump
Good night and thank you for your support!
LIVE AUCTION
MOBILE PHONE BIDDING
We will use Qtego Auction Technology to process your bid during the auction this year. To bid using your mobile phone, follow the instructions below.
GETTING STARTED WITH QTEGO’S MOBILE SITE BIDDING
1. Register your mobile phone number from this link: https://qtego.us/qlink/thecenterpresents
2. Enter your 10-digit mobile number under GET STARTED
3. Complete additional information required for registration
HOW TO DONATE TO ALLIED SOLUTIONS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Reply to any Qtego message with:
• GIVE and dollar amount (ex. GIVE 5000) OR
• With your smart phone, use the DONATE button on your personal online bidding page.
PRIVATE SCREENING: YOU-PICK MOVIE PARTY
How often do you get a movie theater all to yourself? This auction item gives you and up to 30 guests the chance to have an exclusive private screening at the stunning Tarkington theater on the campus of Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. And the best part? You get to pick the movie! Whether you want to hear “Make him an offer he can’t refuse,” “You had me at ‘Hello’” or “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a (whoops!)” this auction package is perfect for a birthday, family gathering, girls’-night-out or any occasion when you want to create unforgettable memories.
Choose from hundreds of provided movie titles and bring together your friends and family for an evening of suspense, drama, comedy, action-adventure, romance or animation!
We’ll provide the red carpet, drinks, snacks and photographer to round out the evening. There’s nothing like a private movie screening, so don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!
Available in 2026 – Date to be determined.
DIAMONDS AND DINING
Start your holiday season with sparkle and sophistication through this dazzling package. Go home tonight with a stunning pair of diamond earrings valued at $2,500 –a timeless treasure that makes the perfect gift or an exquisite indulgence for yourself. Return this winter for a night of luxury as you and up to three guests enjoy a private, chef-curated dinner at the elegant Hotel Carmichael’s Vivante. Savor a bespoke tasting menu perfectly paired with fine wines, all served in the intimacy of your very own glowing, heated chalet – a cozy, dreamlike setting that evokes the magic of a winter wonderland. As you dine, take in the twinkling lights and festive charm of Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt, where the holiday spirit shines most brightly. Complete your evening of enchantment with an overnight stay at the remarkable Hotel Carmichael.
Winter chalets are available November 22, 2025 – February 15, 2026. Overnight stay is available until September 2026.
Generously provided by Diamonds Direct and Hotel Carmichael
THE ULTIMATE SPORTS AND SPEED EXPERIENCE
Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush with a once-in-a-lifetime package that puts you at the center of the action for the biggest sporting events in Indiana and beyond. You and a guest will enjoy fourth-row, center-court seats at an Indiana Fever game, complete with autographed memorabilia from WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston, as well as Veranda Suite seats at an Indiana Pacers game and suite seating for the Colts vs. Jacksonville matchup on December 28.
Cheer from the sidelines at an Indy Eleven match with eight premium tickets! Experience the excitement of college football from the Schwarz President’s Suite at the IU vs. UCLA game on October 25. The package also includes two premium IU basketball tickets and four Purdue basketball tickets, along with exclusive team gear and unforgettable experiences.
The thrill doesn’t end in Indiana – you’ll jet off to Los Angeles for the Porsche Experience Center, where you’ll attend the PenFed Foundation Gala and then ride along on a hot lap in a Porsche 911 GT3. A one-night hotel stay, ground transportation, and a $1,000 travel voucher make your getaway seamless. (PenFed Gala will take place November 12, 2025.)
Unforgettable. Unmatched. And entirely yours.
Generously donated by: Shelly Schwarz, Rebecca and Michael Kubacki, Sonny and Glendia Beck, Kathy and Steve Krusie, Shiel Sexton, Indy Eleven, Indiana Pacers, Allied Solutions, The PenFed Foundation
GRECIAN GETAWAY
Escape to paradise with a weeklong luxury retreat for eight on the breathtaking Greek Isle of Rhodes. Your private four-bedroom, three-bath villa is perched along the serene northern coast, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. The villa features a private pool, lush gardens, and a covered terrace with a full outdoor kitchen, barbecue, and pizza oven – ideal for unforgettable evenings under the stars. Inside, you’ll find open-concept living, a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning throughout. Each of the four bedrooms has its own private balcony or patio, providing the perfect setting for morning coffee or sunset cocktails.
This exceptional package also includes $4,000 toward airfare, private airport transfers, and a welcome basket of local delicacies to enjoy upon arrival. To further enrich your stay, a private guided tour of Rhodes’ medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is included.
Spend your days exploring ancient ruins, basking on golden beaches, and savoring worldclass Greek cuisine in charming tavernas overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean. This is Greek island living at its most luxurious – and it could be yours.
Reservations must be booked within 12 months, and travel must be completed within 24 months. May not be transferred or resold. Blackout dates: Weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Day plus months of July and August.
Airfare provided by Shiel Sexton
BROADWAY-BOUND ON A PRIVATE JET
Experience the ultimate in style and sophistication with private jet travel to Manhattan – your luxurious gateway to the City That Never Sleeps. Six lucky travelers will soar above the clouds and arrive in the heart of New York City for a two-night stay at a four-star Times Square hotel, placing you at the center of all the excitement. Your adventure includes tickets to a dazzling Broadway show (based on availability), a fabulous dinner before or after the performance at one of New York’s renowned restaurants, and deluxe ground transportation to and from the airport and your hotel. This extraordinary package marks the debut of private air travel in our auction, paired with the most iconic experiences New York has to offer.
Available January–October, 2026
THE PERFECT PALM BEACH EXPERIENCE
Experience the ultimate in luxury with this unforgettable Florida getaway for four guests!
Your adventure begins with a four-night, five-day stay in a private two-bedroom beachfront condo in Palm Beach, where you’ll wake up each morning to direct ocean views and the soothing sound of waves. To make travel easy, this package includes $2,000 in airfare credit to get you there in comfort.
The package also features a pro-led tennis lesson for two at the neighboring Four Seasons Resort, where all four guests can enjoy lunch at the oceanfront Seaway Grill and tiki bar, as well as a private golf lesson for two at the breathtaking oceanside Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course, where all four guests can enjoy a complimentary round of golf.
The indulgence continues with an unforgettable visit to the iconic Breakers Hotel, where you’ll receive a $200 credit to enjoy breakfast, lunch or sunset cocktails while strolling the hotel’s stunning private grounds. You’ll also dine in style at The Colony Hotel, considered the city’s most chic destination ($750 credit).
No Palm Beach visit is complete without a leisurely stroll down Worth Avenue, famous for its luxury boutiques, charming courtyards and people-watching. After exploring, enjoy lunch at one of the city’s most talked-about restaurants, Le Bilboquet ($400 credit).
This package blends relaxation, adventure and sophistication into one unforgettable experience. Available February 15 – March 30, 2026.
With generous support from Will and Yasmin Stump and Shiel Sexton
CARMEL BY THE SEA – WHERE LUXURY MEETS PARADISE
Imagine yourself strolling along the charming streets of Carmel—the other one—where ocean breezes and coastal beauty create the perfect escape.
With this exclusive package, you’ll enjoy a two-night stay at a beautiful Carmel hotel, just steps away from world-class dining and shopping. Indulge in an unforgettable dinner for two at Little Napoli, and wake up to a delicious breakfast at Village Corner. Explore the coastline on electric bikes from Mad Dogs & Englishmen, then tee off at the stunning Quail Lodge & Golf Club. Sip and savor during a wine tasting at Folktale Winery, and cruise the scenic Monterey Peninsula in style with a luxury classic car rental from Monterey Touring Vehicles. You’ll also receive Visit Carmel swag bags to enhance your stay. And the highlight: Experience the ultimate culinary celebration with two VIP tickets to the renowned Taste of Carmel at the historic Mission, available October 2025 or 2026.
From breathtaking views to indulgent flavors, this is the California getaway you’ve been dreaming of, and your trip is a breeze with the included $1,000 travel voucher!
Generously supported by the City of Carmel, California, and Jeff and Sue McDermott
THE CARMEL EXCHANGE 2025
From Carmel, Indiana to Carmel, California
As part of our “Carmel Exchange” with Carmel, California, we provided a fabulous auction package for their Taste of Carmel fundraiser on October 2, 2025. We’d like to thank the following donors for creating a fun-filled, luxurious visit to our fair city:
Michael and Caroline Garvey, Woodland Country Club, Hotel Carmichael, City of Carmel
CENTER PRESENTS EXPERIENCE
Prepare to indulge in a year of unforgettable performances and exceptional hospitality with this exclusive Center Presents Experience package. Perfect for passionate arts lovers, this extraordinary offering provides season-long VIP access to the finest entertainment at Allied Solutions Center, with two box seats to every Center Presents performance at the Payne & Mencias Palladium during the 2025-2026 season, giving you the very best view of world-class artists from the most sought-after seats in the house.
You’ll also enjoy season-long access for two to the Brham Founders Club, a private, donors-only retreat featuring premium amenities and an intimate atmosphere that elevates every performance. To ensure your evenings are as seamless as they are special, a valet pass is included for every show throughout the season.
As an added highlight, you’ll select one concert as your Suite Experience, hosting up to nine guests in a private box, complete with five valet passes and a bottle of red wine and white wine.
To round out this package, you’ll receive one overnight stay at the luxurious Hotel Carmichael, an elegant boutique property just steps from the Payne & Mencias Palladium (valid through September 20, 2026).
This is more than an auction item – it’s a journey filled with artistry, top-notch hospitality, and cherished memories.
With generous support from Hotel Carmichael
STARS, STRIPES AND A VIP NIGHT
This unforgettable Fourth of July celebration is designed for you and nine guests, offering exclusive access and first-class treatment from sunrise to the grand finale of fireworks at CarmelFest 2026! Your day begins with reserved parking at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, where a private golf cart will whisk you to your exclusive tent positioned directly along the parade route. There, a Yeti cooler stocked with your favorite summer refreshments will keep the celebration cool and effortless.
As the excitement continues, you’ll move to CarmelFest’s main event at Carter Green. Enjoy prime seating in your reserved tent on the lawn, where you’ll be in the heart of the music, energy and festivities. This package also includes Kids’ Zone Platinum Ride Tickets and entry to the VIP Party with the Mayor of Carmel!
Finally, the evening crescendos with a breathtaking fireworks display, viewed from your private balcony at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Light refreshments await as you and your guests soak in the dazzling spectacle under the stars.
This exclusive VIP package promises to make your Fourth of July a celebration you’ll never forget.
Generously donated by CarmelFest, White’s Ace Hardware, and Tom and Allie Missler
RICHARD MARX MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
Michael Feinstein is a multiplatinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer, known worldwide for his commitment to celebrating America’s popular song and preserving its legacy for future generations. He is the Founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation and Artistic Director for Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
Singer-songwriter Richard Marx has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, making history as the only male artist to reach the Billboard Top 5 with his first seven singles. He has scored 14 No. 1 singles as a performer and as a songwriter and producer, with at least one chart-topper in each of the past four decades.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
The mission of Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts is to engage and inspire the Indiana community through enriching arts experiences.
Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit arts and education organization responsible for the operation and programming of a three-venue campus at Carmel’s City Center. Together, the 1,500-seat Payne & Mencias Palladium, the 500-seat Tarkington and the black box Studio Theater create a welcoming environment for the regional community to experience and participate in all forms of the performing arts.
Each year, the Center Presents performance season sponsored by Allied Solutions offers more than 60 concerts and other events in the fields of pop, rock, jazz, classical, country, the Great American Songbook, international music, comedy, family programming and more. Allied Solutions Center also provides space, ticketing and support services for six Resident Companies: Actors Theatre of Indiana, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Civic Theatre, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and Indiana Wind Symphony. Campus facilities are available for rental events, including performances, corporate meetings, weddings and other social occasions.
Allied Solutions Center’s sister organization, the Great American Songbook Foundation, has a mission to inspire and educate by celebrating America’s timeless popular music. A Cultural Affiliate of the Los Angeles-based Grammy Museum®, the Foundation advances this rich musical legacy by curating physical artifacts of its creators, performers and publishers in the Songbook Library & Archives; operating the multimedia Traditions Senior Communities Songbook Gallery; overseeing the Songbook Hall of Fame; offering programs for the public and research opportunities for scholars and artists; and providing educational opportunities for student musicians, including The Songbook Academy® summer intensive.
Since opening in 2011, Allied Solutions Center has hosted more than 3,700 performances for more than 1.6 million patrons representing all 92 counties in Indiana, all 50 states and 30-plus nations. The campus also welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for public events such as the Carmel Farmers Market and the holiday Christkindlmarkt. Allied Solutions Center is a key component of Carmel’s arts-based economic development strategy.
The many education and outreach initiatives include programs for children and families, such as the interactive Peanut Butter & Jam concert series for preschoolers, free Student Matinees for local school groups, the Prism Project arts camp for youth with disabilities, and discounted tickets for students. Programs for adults include military discounts, the Palladium Bookies reading club, the Luminaries weekday speaker series, and classes in vocal performance, songwriting, stand-up comedy and ukulele.
With your support, we can continue and expand our arts and educational programming, both on and off campus. Learn more at TheCenterPresents.org/Support.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathleen Krusie, Chair
Jimmy Rayford, Vice Chair
Shane Hageman, Secretary
Brian Urbanski, Treasurer
Frank Basile
Elaine Bedel
Kristine Bouaichi
Barbara Branic, Immediate Past Chair
Brian Burdick
Carl Butler
Ryan Davis
Ann Dee
Rollin Dick
Jayne During
Natalie Engledow
Evan Earley
Bain Farris
John Gallina
Heather Halliburton
Mike Heaton
Nancy Heck
Nicholas (Nick) F.
Hrisomalos, M.D. P.C.
Ashima Kapur
Michael Kubacki
Ira Maher
Peter Maiers
Suzanne Mencias
Soomin Park
Andre Porter
Jennifer Post
David Resnick
Shelly Schwarz
Bobby Stephens
Thomas Urick
STAFF
EXECUTIVE
Jeffrey C. McDermott President/CEO
Michael Feinstein Artistic Director
ADMINISTRATION
Jeff Steeg, CVP Chief Operating Officer
Stephanie Carter, SHRM-SCP Vice President of People & Culture
Cynthia Ille Director of Finance and Controller
Nancy Hamilton Accounting & Human Resources Manager
Michele Oakley Accounting Specialist
John Moskal Director of IT
Maryan Douglas Executive Assistant
PROGRAMMING
Dan Kemer Vice President of Programming
Julia Shildmyer Director of Education & Community Engagement
Kristen Bales School & Public Programs Coordinator
DEVELOPMENT
Kendra Latta, CFRE Vice President of Development
Kathy Pataluch, MPA Director of Individual Development
Jo Garcia Assistant Director of Individual Development
Lily Darling Development and Donor Relations Associate
Sara Palmer Donor and Gift Database Coordinator
Dianne Bonnici Annual Fund Manager
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Mark Truett
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Becky Lee Meacham Director of Marketing
Scott Hall Director of Communications
Katie Armel Social Media Manager
Kyle Acker Design Manager
Stephen Moore Marketing Operations Specialist
FACILITIES
Ed Penman Vice President of Facilities
Jason Butrum Director of Safety and Security
Ryan Gray Director of Facilities
Andrew Taylor Director of Facilities
EVENTS
Ramona Adams Vice President of Events
Lisa Hillard Director of Beverages
Nicole Chernish Director of Events
Myra Carleton
Claire Bittinger Event Coordinators
Krista Layfield Front of House Manager
Cindy Teeters Lead House Manager
Kim Moe
Andrea Goetz
Aaron Sembly
Jennifer Kaufmann
Yolanda Valdivia
Sandra Abshire
Kris Kandel House Managers
Karen Knotts Artist Concierge Manager
Grace Snyder Artist Concierge
PRODUCTION
Lisa Posson Director of Production
Ben Dobler
Technical Director, Payne & Mencias Palladium
Joshua Hasty Technical Director, Tarkington
Brian Coon Technical Director, Studio Theater
Levi Townsend Production Manager
Rob Glass Lead Audio Engineer
Nick Brown Lighting Director
Lizz Krull
Rebecca Beam
Cody Bevelhimer Production Technicians
PATRON SERVICES
Brian Seitz DirectorofPatronServices&OrganizationalCoreValues
Beth Scott Patron Services Manager
Kate Ochwat Patron Services Assistant Manager
Sheryl Anastas Patron Services Concierge
Jane Caskey
Lynn Ducat
Te’Arrow Hoggard Natalie Gapinski
Jennifer Partlan Patron Services Associates
THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK FOUNDATION
Chris Lewis Executive Director
Renée La Schiazza Director of Programs
Brian Bosma Communications Manager
Micaela Knox Program Coordinator
Emily Rapoza Director of Library & Archives
Anna LoPrete Music Librarian
Elisabeth Hedges Processing Archivist
2025 GALA STEERING COMMITTEE
Pictured Above Left To Right:
Front: David Greene, Annette Greene, Caroline Garvey, Michael Garvey
2nd: Adam Arceneaux, Kara Seward, Carol Urbanski, Brian Urbanski
3rd: Chad Leitschuh, Michael Hansen, Travis Webb
4th: Steve Krusie, Kathy Krusie, Karen Poyser
5th: Ana Mendia, Annie Knapp, Carl Butler, Kristine Bouaichi, Tom Poyser
6th: Luke Sturgill, Amy Heath, Zenon Oprysk, Allie Missler, Jeff Goens, Abdel Bouaichi
Not Pictured: Keira Amstutz, Brian and Bethany Burdick, Erin Dettwiler, Rebecca Kubacki, Shawn Mulholland, Jennifer Post, Shelly Schwarz, Will and Yasmin Stump
Let’s Build Something Great
We’re leading the way on five of the most talked-about projects currently under construction in Indianapolis:
BOXCAR DEVELOPMENT HOTEL & VENUE
INDIANAPOLIS AIRPORT AUTHORITY WESTIN HOTEL
BOTTLEWORKS DISTRICT
INDIANA FEVER SPORTS PERFORMANCE CENTER
INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS FALL CREEK PARKWAY PERIMETER IMPROVEMENTS
PROUD CONSTRUCTION MANAGER FOR THE PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM AT ALLIED SOLUTIONS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
MENU
SALAD
Tuscan Salad (GF/V)
Lettuce Blend, Grape Tomatoes, Smoked Mozzarella, Kalamata Olives, Pine Nuts, Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette with Lemon Rosemary Flatbread
ENTRÉE
Wild Mushroom Duxelles Crusted Filet of Beef with Porcini Cream Sauce (GF)
Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Mashed Potatoes (GF)
Baby Vegetable Montage, Bok Choy, Patty Pan Squash, Zucchini, Cipollini Onion, Roasted Grape Tomato (GF/DF/VG)
DESSERT
Chocolate Grand Piano filled with White Peach Mousse, Spicy Pecans, Bourbon Whipped Cream (GF)
Sponsored by JLBS Construction
COFFEE SERVICE
Available at 8 p.m. in the South Lobby and Tom Wood Luxury Box Level South
