Glen Carbon, IL – The Collinsville Knights of Columbus Hall was bursting with about 400 Father McGivney Catholic High School supporters on Sunday.  The McGivney Campaign Kickoff drew families from all over Southern Madison County.  Among the day’s activities, Bishop George Lucas of the Springfield, IL Diocese announced the diocesan purchase of the land for the new high school.  The total campaign has already raised pledges of over $4.1 million which was revealed in a number mix-up game during the Kickoff event.

“I’m very pleased with our progress so far,” said Maureen Wangard, Capital Campaign Chairperson, “We have a long way to go, but the show of support on Sunday gives me confidence that we will reach our goal of $12-15 million.”  Sunday was the official public capital campaign kickoff for Father McGivney Catholic High School.  Attendees were asked to prayerfully consider supporting the campaign, but they also had the chance to talk to Board members about the building plans and site, faith formation, curriculum, and athletics and extracurricular activities at the new high school scheduled to open in Glen Carbon in 2011.

The kids, who will be McGivney’s first classes, got in on the fun too.  They enjoyed plenty of popcorn and cotton candy, had their faces painted, wore “Give Me McGivney” t-shirts, and colored pictures of their school mascot entries.  Catholic grade school bands and choirs came together to perform a few songs for the crowd, and Honorary Chairpersons, Jason and Lorrie Isringhausen, visited with friends and fans.

Father McGivney Catholic High School was started by a group of southern Madison County Catholic parents who want a well-rounded, faith-based, fully accredited, academically excellent education for their children.  The high school is named in honor of the Venerable Father Michael McGivney, an American parish priest and founder of the Knights of Columbus.  To learn more about Father McGivney Catholic High School, submit a mascot and school colors, or make a donation to the campaign, visit www.frmcgivneyhs.com.

Contact: Doug Villhard, President, Father McGivney Catholic High School Board of Directors 618-531-6167 or doug@secondstreetmedia.com.