Saint Martin's Gala

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Chef Rick Bayless in kitchen in front of a cutting board and ingredients

Saint Martin's Gala

The 2025 �鶹�� Gala featured celebrity host Chef Rick Bayless. The Gala is the University’s annual major fundraising event for student scholarships. The 20th Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Marcus Pavilion on Saint Martin’s main campus in Lacey. Thanks to our generous community, the 2025 Gala raised $2+ million for scholarships. Read the full press release.

Gala Chef Rick Bayless

Chef Rick Bayless is a seven-time James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and television host, best known for his acclaimed PBS series "Mexico—One Plate at a Time" and his role as the winner of "Top Chef Masters." Dedicated to spreading the joys of authentic Mexican cuisine, he has earned international recognition for his Chicago restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Topolobampo and the iconic Frontera Grill. Beyond the kitchen, he is a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Frontera Farmer Foundation to support small Midwestern farms.

Alumni speaker Roger Dover speaks at a lectern on a curtained stage

The importance of scholarships

The Gala is Saint Martin's signature student scholarship fundraising event. An annual celebration of community, food and wine, the Gala combines two important Benedictine values: hospitality and stewardship. As we gather to break bread, we support our students, whose educational dreams are made possible through scholarships funded from the proceeds of this event.

Gala history

Hotel accommodations

DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia

For your preferred hotel book online or call and mention Saint Martin’s Gala for special rates. | Corporate number: 0003404389 | Company: Saint Martin’s University | Phone number: 360-570-0555

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lacey

For your preferred hotel book online or call and mention Saint Martin’s Gala for special rates. | Corporate number: 100238503 | Code: SMU Gala | Phone number: 1-888-465-4329

Candlewood Suites

For your preferred hotel book online or call and mention Saint Martin’s Gala for special rates. | Corporate number: 100238503 | Code: SMU Gala | Phone number: 360-491-1698

Gala sponsors

Contact us

Office of Institutional Advancement

Please direct any questions to the Office of Institutional Advancement by emailing gala@stmartin.edu or calling 360-438-4366.

View office directory page

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