Headshot of Chef Renee Erickson

Saint Martin's Gala

Join us for the 2026 Saint Martin's Gala on November 7, 2026, an unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting student scholarships. This year, we are excited to welcome celebrity chef Renee Erickson as our host, promising an evening filled with extraordinary food, community and generosity. Over the past two decades, this event has raised more than $22 million, opening doors to a Catholic Benedictine education for countless students. Your participation in the Gala will directly impact the lives of countless students, giving them the opportunity to thrive at Saint Martin’s University and beyond.

Read the full press release.

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Barstool online auction

Want to see the chef presentation up close? We are auctioning off barstool seats for 2nd-5th courses of the cooking demonstration, with winners being seated on stage during the event.

Place your bid today!

For guests attending the 2026 Saint Martin's University Gala:

Your guest information 

As we prepare for your arrival, please send the names and email addresses of each guest at your table to ccloran@stmartin.edu by Friday, October 23. 

We appreciate receiving your guest information as early as possible so we can share important Gala details with each guest and help make their experience seamless from arrival through the end of the evening. 

Make check-in even easier 

Skip a step when you arrive! We encourage you and your guests to preregister and securely add a credit card before Gala night. This will speed up check-in and allow you to start enjoying the evening right away. 

Pre-register for Gala

Arriving at Saint Martin’s 

Complimentary valet parking will be available for all Gala guests. For valet service, enter campus from College Street and turn right onto Baran Drive. 

Guests who prefer to self-park should enter campus from Pacific Avenue via Fr. Meinrad Gaul Drive. 

New this year — the Gala auction is online! 

For the first time, you can get a head start on the excitement of the Saint Martin’s Gala with our online auction! Browse an incredible selection of unique experiences and packages, place your bids, and keep an eye on your favorites—all before Gala night. 

Bidding is open October 26 to November 6, so don’t wait to join the fun! 

Bid now

Chef Renee Erickson sprinkles something onto food in a woodland setting

Gala Chef Renee Erickson

Renee Erickson is a James Beard Award–winning chef, author and restaurateur based in Seattle. A Seattle native, she co-owns acclaimed restaurants including The Walrus and the Carpenter and Westward, known for Pacific Northwest ingredients with European influence. She is the author of cookbooks including A Boat, a Whale & a Walrus and Getaway: Food & Drink to Transport You. A graduate of the University of Washington, Erickson blends food, design and creativity to craft welcoming dining experiences.

Read full bio

A student speaks form a lectern at Gala

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 logo

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

Make a reservation

Holiday Inn Express logo

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

Make a reservation

Candlewood Suites logo

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

Make a reservation

Contact us

Rows of brightly set round tables

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

Explore Saint Martin's Gala