Local family gives $1 million to Columbus Indiana Philharmonic project

The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic is announcing a $1 million donation to build a new performance space at the orchestra’s Franklin Street headquarters.

The donation, announced this afternoon, comes from Bob and Helen Haddad and will come in the form of a $500 thousand donation and a $500 thousand matching grant.  It is the lead donation for a capital campaign to expand the existing conference room into a community events center.

Margaret Powers, executive director of the Philharmonic , explains the vision for the Helen Haddad Music, Arts and Events Center.

Powers said that as discussions began, it became apparent that the community needed a space for recitals, theater performances and other community activities.

Powers explains the idea grew from Enkei America’s donation of a Shigeru Kawai Concert Grand Piano to the orchestra. That gift was made with the intent that the piano would be made available to piano students as well as being available for the enjoyment of others throughout the community. But there is no secure facility that gives the community the accessibility sought by Enkei for its piano donation.

Philharmonic representatives praised the Haddads for their support of the community orchestra.

“Helen and Bob Haddad love the Columbus community and have lived their lives helping to make it better,” says Music Director David Bowden. “The Haddads have also spent the last 30 years supporting music education in many different ways through the Columbus Philharmonic’s extensive education programs. This lead gift is an extension of that support of music education and represents their life-long passion for offering every child the gift of making music.”