The annual Saint Martin’s Gala is more than just a fundraiser. It’s an opportunity to raise scholarship funds, public awareness for the school, and showcase the amazing businesses and resources in the Olympia area. Of the eight years the Gala has occurred, this is the third in a row where the keynote speaker does more than earn his supper…he makes it! Celebrity Chefs Mario Batali, Guy Fieri, and now Michael Symon, Iron Chef and co-host of ABC’s The CHEW, grace the school’s stage—and kitchens—to create a truly magical evening.
As a long-time supporter of Saint Martin’s University, Sunset Air president Brian Fluetsch looks forward to the event every year. Fluetsch’s father, who started the family business in 1976, attended Saint Martin’s in its high school days and Sunset Air’s offices overlook the campus grounds. They began sponsoring the gala in part to “strengthen the fabric of support” for the school and its mission, says Fluetsch.
The Sunset Air family believes in Saint Martin’s so much they offer more than simply financial contributions. Their team was foundational in the design and building of the school’s Fr. Richard Cebula, O.S.B. Hall for engineering, they have an outreach program to hire engineering students and graduates, and Brian and Valerie Fluetsch even open their home for an ‘Italian Picnic,’ auctioned off to raise scholarship funds at the Gala. This picnic offers 36 winning bidders the chance to dine with Armandino and Mariilyn Batali, parents of renowned chef Mario Batali and the owners of Salumi ‘s in Seattle’s Pioneer Square District. Last year’s picnic garnered over $13,000 for the event.
With over 95% of Saint Martin’s students receiving some form of financial aid, events like this are vital. The last two years have broken fundraising records for the Gala, thanks in part to the amazing celebrity chefs and to the business support.
Meg Nugent Dwyer, Media Relations Manager for the Office of Marketing and Communications at Saint Martin’s, explains approximately 42% of Gala funds come from corporations, the remaining 58% from individual contributors. She adds that students benefit tremendously from local businesses like Sunset Air.
Fluetsch acknowledges that events like these are a “circle of growth and benefit” because when the school prospers, the higher enrollment turns out successful graduates who in turn are hired by local businesses. The growth, success, and publicity are a win/win scenario for everyone involved.
Saint Martin’s Vice President for Marketing and Communications Jennifer Fellinger praises business involvement as well: “What is most heartening is that those businesses and corporations are at the Gala not just because it is an entertaining evening. They are there because they understand Saint Martin’s University, its mission and its values. They recognize Saint Martin’s students as leaders-in-the-making, and they respect the contributions our alumni make to the community.”
“We are so grateful to loyal sponsors like Sunset Air. They define and strengthen the South Sound community, while also providing a model of service for our students. Not one student volunteer walks away from the Gala without feeling inspired by the deep commitment of our sponsors,” adds Fellinger.
The 2012 Gala raised over $750,000 by relying on the support of local businesses, alumni, and donors. This year’s event will be Saturday, November 2 with tickets available through the Saint Martin’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 360-486-8885. Everyone who takes part is guaranteed an amazing night of delicious food and wine pairings, festive entertainment, and a sense of community.
