by ALTOONA, Pa. – A dream came true for one Pennsylvania woman when she was selected to be a contestant on the legendary game show, The Price is Right.
Catherine “Cathy” Keefe, a proud resident of Altoona, had the surprise of her life while visiting California in January. The episode featuring her aired on May 1.
“It was like, oh my gosh, is this really happening?” Cathy said, recalling the moment she heard her name called.
A Surprise Opportunity on a Day Off
Cathy was in California volunteering with the American Red Cross, helping families who lost their homes to wildfires. On her day off, she noticed Haven Studios — just two miles from her hotel — and remembered that The Price is Right was taped there.
With her mother being a longtime fan of the show, Cathy took a chance and grabbed tickets. What started as a spontaneous visit quickly turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I was just standing in line with everyone else,” Cathy shared. “Then they called my name and it was real. I had to make it from my seat to the stage to shake Drew Carey’s hand.”
Playing for a Car—and Shouting Out Mom
Cathy had her eyes on a brand-new car but unfortunately didn’t guess the right price. Still, she walked away with some exciting prizes, all of which have already been delivered to her home in Altoona.
When it came time to spin the famous big wheel, she made sure to give her mom a heartfelt shout-out. “He [Drew Carey] was such a nice person,” Cathy said. “But more than anything, this was an unforgettable experience.”
Cathy’s mother, thrilled by the news, made sure to tune in and watch the show. Cathy even recorded it so they could watch the moment together again.
A Mission to Help Others
Before her game show moment, Cathy had already made a big impact. After retiring, she fulfilled a lifelong goal of joining the American Red Cross.
“I used to watch disasters happen on TV and think, ‘Why can’t I be there to help?’” she said. “Now I finally had the chance.”
She spent three weeks helping wildfire victims transition back into permanent housing. “Entire neighborhoods were gone,” she said. “It was heartbreaking.”
Looking Ahead
Although Cathy can’t be a contestant again for ten years due to show rules, she’s happy to cheer from the audience. And fans in Central Pennsylvania won’t have to travel far to feel the excitement — The Price is Right Live is coming to Altoona in Fall 2025.
