Saint Martin’s University raised a record $3.5 million at its annual Gala on Saturday, Nov.2, surpassing the previous year’s total of $2.8 million.
The black-tie event celebrated the university’s dedication to providing accessible education for students needing financial assistance. Guests were treated to an evening of fine dining, live culinary demonstrations, and an energetic auction — all towards funding student scholarships.
Saint Martin’s students and alumni also shared moving stories of how the university’s scholarship program made a positive difference in their lives.
The $3.5 million raised at the 2024 Gala will directly benefit scholarships for Saint Martin’s students — many of whom are from low-income or first-generation college backgrounds.
University President Bill Brownsberger, S.T.D., praised the generosity of attendees. “The generosity shown at this year’s Gala is a testament to the extraordinary people who believe in the power of a Saint Martin’s education,” he said.
“The scholarships supported by these funds will help countless students continue their academic journeys and pursue their dreams. We are incredibly grateful to all who attended and contributed to making this event such a success.” Brownsberger added.
This year’s Gala featured a purportedly memorable culinary experience from Chef Pati Jinich, a James Beard Award-winning chef and host of PBS’s Pati’s Mexican Table.
Chef Jinich expertly curated a five-course gourmet meal in which she blended her exceptional culinary skills with compelling stories from her journey and rich Mexican heritage. Each dish she served was thoughtfully crafted to offer guests a sensory exploration of tradition and innovation.
As a celebrated chef and television personality, Jinich’s presence added prestige to the event. Her personal stories and connection to cultural traditions created an engaging atmosphere that resonated with the gala’s guests.
The scholarship fund's importance and impact were vividly illustrated through Saint Martin’s students and alumni testimonials. Among those who shared their stories was Roger Dover ‘23, a social work graduate and military veteran who spoke about the transformative power of scholarship support.
After being honorably discharged due to a medical diagnosis, Dover found a new beginning at Saint Martin’s, credited with helping him transition to civilian life.
“Saint Martin’s was exactly what I needed after my military service,” Dover told attendees. “It welcomed me with open arms and provided me with a new community when I felt I had lost one.”
Dover’s story highlighted the life-changing opportunities that scholarship funding can provide students facing personal and professional challenges.
In addition to the gourmet dinner and inspiring testimonies, the live auction also raised significant funds for student scholarships.
The auction offered exclusive items and experiences generously donated by national and local sponsors. Each bid during the auction contributed to the evening’s goal of breaking fundraising records.
Nate Peters, vice president of marketing and communications and interim vice president of institutional advancement, acknowledged the community’s growing involvement in the Gala.
“We are blown away by the generosity of our Saint Martin’s community, raising a record-breaking $3.5 million for student scholarships,” Peters said. “With nearly 40% of our students being the first in their families to attend college, this support is mission-critical to making a Catholic Benedictine education accessible.”
Over the years, the Saint Martin's Gala has established itself as a premier event in the South Sound region. It raises millions of dollars to ensure education is accessible to students from all backgrounds. The event has welcomed renowned chefs, such as Anne Burrell, Mario Batali, and Jacques Pépin, and continues to attract top-tier chefs to support the university.
The success of the 2024 Gala builds on the $2.8 million raised in 2023. A portion of the proceeds from last year’s event benefited the For Every Saint campaign, which also surpassed its $100 million goal—setting the stage for this year’s record-breaking total.
The funds raised at these events help give deserving students access to a Catholic Benedictine education that might otherwise be out of reach. For more on the 2023 Gala’s success, click here.
As the 2024 Gala ended, attention shifted to next year’s event, scheduled for November 1, 2025. The celebrity chef host for the 2025 Gala will be announced in the coming months, and organizers are already planning another successful evening.
To learn more and view photos from the 2024 Gala, visit www.stmartin.edu/gala.
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