Companies have mission statements which define them. Individuals have philosophies they live by. The quote in the headline above tells everything you need to know about what motivates and drives this year's Hall of Honors inductees, Kevin and Mary Nemetz.
We've all heard expressions like 'there are too many cooks
in the kitchen' or 'there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians.' These statements become part of our vernacular because there is an obvious element of truth in them. Everybody wants to voice an opinion and demand that their two cents worth see the light of day, but few people are willing to roll up their sleeves and give of their time and talent to become change agents.
Kevin and Mary Nemetz are thinkers and talkers, but more importantly, they are also doers.
Their resume, while parents at Saints Peter and Paul School during their son, Patrick's '08 education, is nothing short of amazing and spectacular and, for their many years of dedicated service, they are being inducted into our school's Hall of Honors. That ceremony will take place at our dinner dance on Friday, April 28.
Mary was a Fun Fair co-chair, coordinated the Teen Tent for three years, and was also a greeter, room mother, and a member of the hot lunch committee. In 2001, our pastor, Fr. James Burnett, appointed her to the Advancement Board. She served on that Board for seven years, first as a member of the finance committee, followed by four years as president. During her tenure as the head of the Advancement Board, she helped implement the committee structure and set up transparent guidelines for financial oversight that are still adhered to today.
Mary is also active in the Diocese of Joliet serving as president of the Respect Life committee and has also served our parish as a former member of the Religious Education Commission. Mary regularly volunteers at PADS and visits the Adoration Chapel weekly.
Kevin was on the Golf Committee for eight years and spearheaded the idea of asking individuals and corporations to donate sports tickets they couldn't use for this fundraiser. That was the brainchild which eventually led to the formation of their company, Tix4Cause, which is a major fundraisers for schools like ours and other non-profits throughout the country. He was also the founder of the Partners in Education initiative which our school formalized partnerships with area businesses and institutions like North Central College, The School of Performing Arts, School District 203, and St. Patrick's Residence to name just a few. Kevin also started the Jr. Achievement program at our school in which he was also an instructor.
He also coached intramural basketball, and like his wife, lent his voice and support to many parish ministries. A past-president of the Parish Council, Kevin is also a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Together, Kevin and Mary chaired the Night at the Oscars Auction in 2008 and Kevin also led the corporate sponsor committee for many earlier Auctions.
What motivates such dedication? Like many school and church leaders, it started at childhood with the example of their parents. Mary grew up as a member of St. Dennis (Lockport) Parish. She and her siblings not only witnessed her parents' faith life through weekly Mass attendance, but also saw how naturally it was for them to volunteer their time to welcome, and respond, to those in need. Kevin understands what it means to live out the Gospel message because he was vested by having to work for his opportunity to receive a Catholic education at both St. Edward's High School (Elgin) and Creighton University.
Because of the tremendous, and lasting, impact that both Kevin and Mary Nemetz had on our school, we are pleased to show our gratitude and appreciation by designating them as the
fifty-eighth inductees into our Hall of Honors.
