Chef Pati Jinich smiles in her kitchen with floral design at the bottom

Saint Martin's Gala

The 2024 Saint Martin's University Gala will feature celebrity host Chef Pati Jinich. The Gala is the University’s annual major fundraising event for student scholarships. Save the date to join us on Saturday, Nov. 2, in the Marcus Pavilion on Saint Martin’s main campus in Lacey. Thanks to our generous community, the 2023 Gala raised $2+ million for scholarships.

Read the full press release.

Chef Pati Jinich holding a mug in her kitchen

Gala Chef Pati Jinich

Chef Pati Jinich is host of the three-time James Beard Award-winning PBS television series “Pati’s Mexican Table” where she invites viewers into her kitchen, sharing cherished family recipes, culinary secrets and heartwarming stories that celebrate the vibrant history of Mexican cuisine. Chef Pati also hosts PBS primetime docuseries “La Frontera,” and is the resident chef at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C. Her culinary expertise is rooted in the rich tapestry of her cultural heritage, steeping every dish in authenticity, creativity, and Mexican flair.

A speaker stands on a lavishly decorated 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. 

A crowd seated around Gala tables with floral centerpieces

Gala schedule of events

Gala Reception, 5 p.m.
Saint Martin’s University, Charneski Recreation Center
Free valet parking, on-site silent auction, musical entertainment and jewelry raffle ticket sales

Gala Dinner, 6:30 p.m.
Saint Martin’s University, Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion
Culinary demos, live auction and paddle raise

After Party, 9:30 p.m.
Saint Martin’s University, Charneski Recreation Center
Live music by Brickhouse and dancing!

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

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. | Code: SMU Gala | Phone number: 1-888-465-4329

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