Submitted by Saint Martin’s University
Celebrity chef stars of “The CHEW,” ABC’s Emmy Award-winning talk show for foodies, will bring their sparkling banter and culinary skills to Saint Martin’s University Saturday, November 7, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the school’s signature scholarship fundraiser, the Saint Martin’s Gala.
For this special anniversary and to honor the celebrity guests, a new format resembling a television studio audience will be in place in Marcus Pavilion, where the Gala will be held on the Saint Martin’s campus in Lacey. It will feature a runway to provide more opportunities during the black-tie affair to interact with the chefs onstage as they prepare a five-course, gourmet dinner, paired with spectacular wines, a live auction and a “Feed-the-Mind” paddle raise aimed at generating scholarship funds for Saint Martin’s students.
“Saint Martin’s Gala is all about students: their dreams, college affordability and investments for a stronger community,” says University President Roy F. Heynderickx, Ph.D. “It has become a way to recognize the impact of our graduates in the South Sound area through an evening of culinary delight and celebration. We welcome all to this year’s Gala and are thankful for the generosity of this community.”
Four of the five stars of “The CHEW,” which explores life through food and is broadcast live on weekdays from New York City, are gracing the stage this year:
- Mario Batali, who is one of the most recognized and respected chefs in the United States today. Batali counts 24 restaurants, nine cookbooks, numerous television shows and the expansive Eataly marketplace in New York City among his empire of deliciousness. He was Saint Martin’s first-ever celebrity chef, for the 2011 Gala.
- Michael Symon is an “Iron Chef” winner who cooks with soul, creating boldly flavored, deeply satisfying dishes at his Cleveland restaurants, Lola, Lolita, Roast and B Spot. He was Saint Martin’s third celebrity chef, for the 2013 Gala.
- Carla Hall is best known as a competitor on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and she also served as executive chef at The State Plaza Hotel and The Washington Club, both located in Washington, D.C. Hall’s approach to cooking blends her classic French training with her Southern upbringing for a twist on traditional favorites.
- Clinton Kelly is an entertaining expert who for 10 years hosted “What Not to Wear,” the longest running prime time series on TLC. Since 2005, he has partnered with Macy’s, appearing in national television commercials and conducting style seminars across the U.S.
The fifth member of “The CHEW” team, Daphne Oz, a healthy living expert and the daughter of author and television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, is unable to attend the Gala because of the impending birth of her second child. But she will make an appearance through a video that will be presented during the Gala.
The Gala last year raised $891,000 to devote to student scholarships. More than 94 percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance. More than one third of the University’s students come from underrepresented populations, including first-generation college students, as well as students from low-income families and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
The 2015 Gala co-chairs are Armandino ’59 and Marilyn Batali, Rick and Pam Panowicz, and Kathy Lombardo and Fred Wright. Bon Appétit Management Company is the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include Capitol City Press, KCTS9, Merlino Fine Foods and the Palatine Foundation.
You can learn more about Gala 2015 by visiting the event website, or, contact the Saint Martin’s University Office of Institutional Advancement at 360-486-8885 or gala@stmartin.edu.
You can also be a part of the Gala buzz by following Saint Martin’s on Facebook or Twitter, and tweet about it @MarioBatali,@ChefSymon, @Clinton_Kelly, @CarlaHall and @thechew.
