Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation Event Returns With Expanded Entertainment
When the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation hosted its first-ever Legacy Event last year, Executive Director Justin Hirnisey wasn’t sure what to expect. The foundation boldly moved from hosting small-scale fundraising dinners for a few hundred guests to staging a large-scale entertainment event at the brand-new Fishers Event Center.
The debut show, headlined by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, drew a crowd of more than 4,000 attendees and proved to be a resounding success.
“We went from our largest fundraiser having 500 people to 4,000,” Hirnisey says. “It was amazing to see that many people laughing together and learning about the incredible things happening in our local schools.”
The idea for the Legacy Event emerged shortly after the city announced plans for the state-of-the-art Fishers Event Center. Seeing an opportunity to unite the community’s enthusiasm for live entertainment with its mission to support local teachers and students, HSEF considered how best to maximize this new venue.
“If our city is building this amazing venue that’s going to host thousands of people, we wanted to ask how we, as a foundation, can maximize that opportunity,” he says.
The foundation, which funds classroom innovation grants, student scholarships and districtwide programs, recognized this event as a key opportunity to make an even greater impact. Last year’s event not only raised awareness of HSEF’s work but also expanded its audience.
“There were people in the audience who didn’t even know our foundation existed,” Hirnisey says. “That night gave us a platform to tell our story in a fun, memorable way.”
This year’s event, set for Feb. 20, promises to be even bigger. The 2026 Legacy Celebration will feature co-headliners Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler, bringing a nostalgic ’90s rock vibe to Fishers. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the concert starting at 8 p.m. Tickets start at just $30 through Ticketmaster, making it an affordable night out. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly benefit local schools, supporting educational programs and resources.
The evening will feature a robust silent auction, showcasing nearly 300 items, including themed baskets donated by all 22 schools, as well as travel packages, Yeti coolers and restaurant experiences contributed by local businesses. The auction runs for a week leading up to the concert and remains open throughout the event, allowing supporters to bid from home or from their seats at the show.
Funds raised from the Legacy Event are reinvested directly in classrooms, supporting teacher grants, student scholarships and essential programs. In 2024–25, HSEF awarded more than $110,000 in teacher grants and a record $100,000 in student scholarships, fueling innovation and achievement for the district’s 21,000 students. The foundation also funds vital initiatives addressing mental health and food insecurity, meeting growing needs in local schools.
Hirnisey says the team’s goal this year is simple: sell every seat.
“Every ticket we sell ultimately puts dollars back in the classroom, whether that’s through a grant, a scholarship or a districtwide initiative,” he says. “It’s hard not to make that our goal because it really does help us meet the growing needs of education in our community.”
As HSEF approaches its 25th anniversary, the Legacy Event has become a symbol of community pride and collective support for public education. Hirnisey says the foundation aims to make the event a February tradition and something the community eagerly anticipates each year.
“We want people to look forward to it — an evening where the whole community comes together to celebrate our schools, our teachers and our students,” he says. “Whether it’s comedy, rock music or whatever we bring next year, the heart of it will always be the same. We’re celebrating education.”
The night also includes special moments that connect attendees directly to the foundation’s mission. Between performances, videos and brief testimonials showcase local teachers and students who have benefited from HSEF’s support.
“We want people to see the real faces and stories behind the dollars raised,” Hirnisey says. “It’s about showing the impact that their ticket purchase truly makes.”
From laughter to live music, the Legacy Event is quickly evolving into more than just a fundraiser. It actively unites the community in celebration with a purpose.
“When you buy that ticket, you don’t just hear two iconic bands,” Hirnisey says. “You help us strengthen our schools, our teachers and our community.”
For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets, visit hsefoundation.org.
