Chef Rick Bayless in kitchen in front of a cutting board and ingredients

Saint Martin's Gala

Join us for the 20th Anniversary of the Saint Martin’s Gala on November 1, 2025, an unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting student scholarships. This year, we are excited to welcome celebrity chef Rick Bayless as our host, promising an evening filled with extraordinary food, community, and generosity. Over the past two decades, this event has raised more than $21 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

Secure your tickets for the Saint Martin's Gala:

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Chef Rick Bayless in an apron

Gala Chef Rick Bayless

Chef Rick Bayless is a seven-time James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and television host, best known for his acclaimed PBS series "Mexico—One Plate at a Time" and his role as the winner of "Top Chef Masters." Dedicated to spreading the joys of authentic Mexican cuisine, he has earned international recognition for his Chicago restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Topolobampo and the iconic Frontera Grill. Beyond the kitchen, he is a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Frontera Farmer Foundation to support small Midwestern farms.

Alumni speaker Roger Dover speaks at a lectern on a curtained 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. 

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. | Corporate number: 100238503 | Code: SMU Gala | Phone number: 1-888-465-4329

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

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.

Explore Saint Martin's Gala