Mario Batali cooks up a smash-hit Gala for Saint Martin's

On Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, Saint Martin's University hosted its most successful Gala to date - an amazing celebration that featured celebrity chef Mario Batali and special guest emcee Lynne Rossetto Kasper. The Gala raised a record-breaking $600,000, making the event one of the largest-grossing charity events in the South Sound. During the Feed-a-Mind auction, guests "raised their paddle" for a total of $155,000 toward student scholarship funds-more than triple the amount raised in 2010!

For the first time in the event's history, the Gala was held on the Saint Martin's campus. We were delighted to welcome more than 500 guests to the Norman Worthington Conference Center and the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion, both transformed for the splendid affair. We also welcomed 75 guests to O'Grady Library for Meet the Chef, a special meet-and-greet event with Mario. (To access downloadable photographs from Meet the Chef, click here and use the password "Mario".) 

Thank you to all the Gala sponsors and Meet the Chef sponsors for their generosity.

Mark your calendar now for the 2012 Gala, taking place November 3, 2012! The 2011 Gala sold out in record time, so check back frequently for information regarding plans for 2012.

Interested in learning more about the 2011 Gala? Read a special message from President Roy F. Heynderickx, Ph.D., and Board Chair Rick Panowicz.