Saint Martin’s annual gala to feature award-winning chef

Saint Martin’s University Gala, the university’s signature fundraising event for student scholarships, is coming back with a black tie celebration that features an auction.

Considered a “premier culinary event in the South Sound region,” the event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, in the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion on Saint Martin’s campus in Lacey, said the university in a March 5 announcement.

“The (gala) is a powerful expression of our community’s belief in the transformative value of education,” said John Grossman, vice president of Institutional Advancement, in a statement.

Grossman also thanked the community, stating the gala raised $2 million for scholarships in 2025.  

Renee Erickson, a Seattle-based restaurateur and James Beard Award holder, will perform a live cooking demonstration as this year’s celebrity chef. 

“We are delighted to welcome Chef Renee Erickson to Saint Martin’s for our 2026 (gala). Her commitment to culinary excellence and community reflects the Benedictine values that guide our University," said University President Bill Brownsberger in a statement.   

The (gala) is a celebration of hospitality and generosity, and Chef Erickson’s artistry will help us create an unforgettable evening celebrating and supporting our students."    

Erickson, who was born in Seattle, is a chef and co-owner of several acclaimed restaurants and hospitality businesses across the Pacific Northwest, including The Walrus and the Carpenter, Lioness, Barnacle, Westward and General Porpoise doughnuts and coffee.  

Erickson has also published cookbooks, “A Boat, a Whale and a Walrus” in 2014, which earned critical acclaim and received a Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award. 

Other publications by Erickson include “Getaway: Food and Drink to Transport You” and “Sunlight & Breadcrumbs.” 

Erickson has a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Washington and serves on the School of Art + Art History + Design board.  

More details about the 2026 Saint Martin’s University Gala are available at www.stmartin.edu/gala.

People can also contact the Saint Martin’s University Office of Institutional Advancement at 360-438-4366 or email gala@stmartin.edu.