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Submitted by Saint Martin’s University

A record-breaking $3.5 million was raised for scholarships at the annual Saint Martin’s University Gala on November 2, 2024. The black-tie fundraising event, which supports scholarships for Saint Martin’s students, featured a spectacular evening of fine dining, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, a live auction and heartfelt stories from the Saint Martin’s community.

University President Bill Brownsberger, S.T.D., expressed his gratitude for the continued support of the Saint Martin’s community. “The generosity shown at this year’s Gala is a testament to the extraordinary people who believe in the power of a Saint Martin’s education,” said Brownsberger. “The scholarships supported by these funds will help countless students continue their academic journeys and pursue their dreams. We are incredibly grateful to all who attended and contributed to making this event such a success.” 

This year, the event was hosted by renowned chef Pati Jinich, who delighted guests with her culinary expertise and storytelling. Chef Pati, a James Beard Award-winning chef, author and host of the popular PBS show Pati’s Mexican Table, prepared a gourmet five-course meal. Guests enjoyed an intimate and dynamic evening with her, as she shared insights into her craft and culinary philosophy. 

Roger Dover ’23, a recent Saint Martin’s social work graduate, spoke to the transformative power of scholarships for students.  In his moving address, Dover shared a personal story of resilience, how he found a home at Saint Martin’s after being honorably discharged from the military after a life-changing medical diagnosis. “Saint Martin’s was exactly what I needed after my military service. It welcomed me with open arms and provided me with a new community when I felt I had lost one,” Dover reflected. His words highlighted the positive impact Saint Martin’s has on its students, particularly those who, like him, are navigating new chapters in life. 

“We’re blown away by the generosity of our Saint Martin’s community, raising a record-breaking $3.5 million for student scholarships at this year’s Gala,” said Nate Peters, vice president of marketing and communications and interim vice president of institutional advancement. “With nearly 40% of our students being the first in their families to attend college, this support is mission-critical to making a Catholic Benedictine education accessible.” 


In addition to the lavish dinner curated by award-winning Chef Pati, the evening featured a live auction, with unique items and experiences generously donated by local and national supporters. Funds raised from the auction and other donations will directly benefit student scholarships, ensuring that a new generation of students has access to the life-changing education that Saint Martin’s provides. 

For more information and photos from the 2024 Gala, visit www.stmartin.edu/gala. The next Gala will be held on November 1, 2025. The celebrity chef host will be announced in the coming months. 

Thank you to our generous event sponsors: 

Presenting Sponsor – Bon Appetit Management Company 

Gala Reception Sponsor – MJR Development 

After Party Sponsor – FORMA Construction 
Broadcast Media Sponsor – KCTS 9 
Celebrity Chef Sponsor – MultiCare Capital Medical Center & Providence Swedish 
Celebrity Photo Sponsor – Rudd Vision, PLLC 
Airline Partner Sponsor – Alaska Airlines 
Coffee Sponsor – Dancing Goats Coffee 
Hors D’Oeuvre Sponsor – Anthony’s Homeport & Hearthfire 
Hospitality Sponsor – Columbia Hospitality 
Kitchen Sponsor – Rob Rice Homes 
Cantina Sponsor – TwinStar Credit Union 
Tequila Pony Sponsor – Event Planning Specialists 
Live Auction Sponsor – WSECU 
Media Sponsor – South Sound Magazine 
Print Media Sponsor – Showcase Media 
Print Sponsor – Capitol City Press 
Raffle Sponsor – Panowicz Jewelers 
Tunnel Sponsor – Tedi Reynolds 
Valet Sponsor & Silent Auction Sponsor – Olympia Subaru 
VIP Gift Bag Sponsor – Drees of Olympia 
Wine Glass Sponsor – Sunset Air 
Wine Sponsor – Dama Wines 
Mariachi Band Sponsor – Armandino Batali 

St. Benedict’s Table Sponsors:  
John and Michelle Riel 
Perry and Susan Shea 
Tedi Reynolds 
The Rants Group 
Waite & Patty Dalrymple 

St. Gertrude’s Table Sponsors:
1st Security Bank 
Armandino “Dino” Batali ʼ59, HD’15 
Callisons 
Dan and Carla O’Neill 
Erwin Family 
Jim Vosper 
Kathy and Gordon Beecher 
Lemon Family Dental 
Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel 
Mc Erl Dave Andres 
Miller Nash LLP 
Olympia Orthopaedic Associates 
Olympia Federal Savings 
Dr. Pamela Holsinger-Fuchs and Tom Fuchs 
Puget Sound Energy 
Rick and Pam Panowicz 
Rockefeller Capital Management 
Squaxin Island Tribe 
Sunset Air 
Tedi Reynolds 
Thurston EDC 
Timberland Bank 
Toni Christy 
Tovani Hart 
U.S. Bank 

Additional Sponsors:
Cynthia Lamothe 
Dan Gladney 
JP Morgan 
Moss Adams 

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