Paul & Pat Keigher
Paul, a 1958 graduate of St. Patrick Central High School, and Pat Keigher raised 6 children who all attended and graduated from Bishop McNamara High School, Tim Keigher ’80, Susan Keigher ’82 Yatvin, Paula Keigher ’84 Curwick, Ted Keigher ‘86, Jennifer Keigher ’90 Fogel, and Todd Keigher ’91. Paul and Pat also have 13 grandchildren. Katie Curwick ’11, Kelsey Curwick ’13 McGrath, and Sophie Keigher ’18 are Bishop McNamara graduates. Currently within the Bishop McNamara Catholic School system are Molly Fogel (sophomore), Sevin Keigher (freshman), Teddy Fogel (6th grade), and Patricia Keigher (5th grade).
Paul and Pat were responsible for presenting the idea of a formal dinner auction to raise funds for the school. They were the chairpersons for the inaugural event, “Spring Spectacular I,” which was held on May 4, 1985. This first dinner-auction was attended by 300 people. There were 117 live items and 204 silent items. The $100 raffle was also executed for this event. There were 300 raffle tickets sold and the grand prize was the choice of $10,000 or a 1985 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. Overall, the event raised $65,000. In 2003, Paul and Pat were recognized as the Honorary Chairpersons for the annual event, which was attended by 477 guests, the 2nd highest in its’ history. In addition, 1,000 raffle tickets were sold, and the event saw a net profit of $295,000. The 36th annual dinner-auction and raffle will be held this year and continues to be the school’s largest fundraiser.
The Keigher’s were instrumental in bringing the Ceile Calendar to fruition as a school fundraiser. Paul particularly had a knack for looking for new ways to raise money for the school. Ceile is Gaelic for “partner” which is a perfect name for the calendar as those that purchase a calendar become a partner in Catholic education. The Ceile Calendar is a fundraiser where a winner is drawn 365 days of the year and they receive a cash prize. Over the years, through this fundraiser, thousands of people have partnered with Bishop McNamara in providing the best possible Catholic education for the young men and women in our area. The Ceile Calendar also still exists today and is going strong in its 36th year.
By trade, Paul owned a trucking company and Pat was a nurse. They are parishioners at St. Joseph Church in Manteno. Paul has been a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree Knight. Patricia was also dedicated to her Catholic faith and served through prayer and volunteering.
Paul and Patricia truly live by the values of faith, family and service. Their dedication to Catholic education has been life-long.