Submitted by Saint Martin’s University
A record-breaking $3 million was raised for student scholarships at the annual Saint Martin’s University Gala on November 5. More than 600 alumni and friends came to the Lacey campus to see Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell demo on stage the exquisite Italian five-course, wine-paired menu, along with a lively and generous live auction, and an after party with the Seattle-based band, Mr. Pink.
The Saint Martin’s Gala is the University’s annual black-tie scholarship fundraiser. In 2022, the Gala was in its 16th year, and was the first for Dr. Jennifer Bonds-Raacke as she began her tenure as the 11th president.
“We are grateful to everyone who attended the Saint Martin’s Gala, which was a record-breaking fundraiser that will enable us to offer scholarships to many of our students,” said President Bonds-Raacke. “These scholarships play a major role in helping our students pursue their aspirations, earn their degrees and contribute their talents to our community.”
We welcomed back to campus alumna Tracey Porter ’20, along with her twin brother Tony ’20 and younger sister Nicole ’21, to share her story as our alumni speaker. “Our family knew a college education for the three of us would be beyond our reach, but we received enough scholarships to make our educational dreams a reality,” shared Porter. “I know we were brought to Saint Martin’s for a reason, and I know this university will continue to support students and families just like ours.”
Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell is the hugely popular and fan-favorite host of Worst Cooks in America, Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition and the new Food Network series Vegas Chef Prize Fight. Burrell is an industry veteran and passionate teacher who prides herself on creating rustic Italian dishes that celebrate simple and pure ingredients.
“I am thrilled to have been the chef for this year’s Gala! The love in this room is palpable.” said Burrell. “Thank you everyone who came, who donated, and who made this event so joyful.”
The chairs for the Saint Martin’s Gala are Pat and Helen Rants, Jay and Carla Rudd, and Tedi Reynolds ’71. The emeritus executive Gala chairs are Armandino Batali ’59, HD’16 and Rick HD’20 and Pam Panowicz.
If you were unable to attend the Gala, or would like to make an additional gift, you can still support student scholarships by making a gift online.
To view photos from the event, visit Saint Martin’s Gala webpage.
Next year’s Gala will be held on November 4, 2023. The format and celebrity host will be announced in the coming months. For more information about Gala 2022, visit our Gala website.
