Saint Martin’s University Gala Brings Together Good Food and Fun for Student Scholarships
Gala Event Committee Tri-Chair, Tedi Reynolds raises her paddle during the live auction in support of student scholarships.
Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Wash., will host its annual Gala scholarship fundraising event on November 4 featuring three special guests headlining the event: Seattle-based chefs Tom Douglas and Thierry Rautureau, also known as The Chef in the Hat™, and internationally known Italian butcher Dario Cecchini.
The Saint Martin's Gala offers attendees an evening filled with gourmet food and wine-pairings, live cooking demonstrations, and auctions. Entering its twelfth year, the purpose of the event remains the same: raising critical funding for student scholarships. Every dollar raised goes toward making a Catholic Benedictine education accessible for students.
At the 2022 Gala, Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell welcomed more than 600 guests and raised $3 million for Saint Martin’s student scholarships.
Gala guests are treated to an elegant five-course dinner perfectly complemented by handpicked wines throughout the evening.
Gala Event Committee tri-chair, university trustee, alumna, and benefactor Tedi Reynolds loves the purpose of the event. As a committee tri-chair, she serves as one of three Saint Martin’s trustees that lead the vision for the event. From selecting the year’s celebrity chef(s) to the meal options and wine pairings, the involvement is year-round planning and leadership. “The Gala raises funds for something near and dear to my heart: making education accessible to our Saint Martin’s students.”
Sous chef live auction winners join Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell on stage for an unforgettable cooking experience.
One of her favorite aspects of the Gala is the opportunity to come together as a community. “There is a visiting with old and new friends during the reception; the awe of seeing our Marcus Pavilion basketball court turned into an incredible event space; enjoying good food, service and entertainment; and participating in fierce competition for great auction items,” she said. “Then the party goes on with dancing after dinner!”
Saint Martin’s alumna Tracey Porter speaks about the importance of scholarships and how educational dreams are made possible through funds raised by the event.
Tedi has many fond memories from past Galas, sharing that they were fantastic from the beginning to the very end. “I have lots of wonderful memories, but the live auction is consistently my favorite part of the evening. There is a palpable energy in the room as people bid to win unique, curated trips like to Europe or Saint Martin’s-related packages like dinner with the beloved Catholic Benedictine monks.”
During the pre-Gala reception, guests relished in wine, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and temporary tattoos inspired by Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell’s personal ink.
“I truly expect you to be amazed by the food, the fun, the love and the generosity,” she shared. “Gala is an evening that celebrates our Saint Martin’s spirit.”
To join Tedi and learn more about the Saint Martin’s Gala or purchase tickets to attend, visit www.stmartin.edu/gala or contact the University at [email protected] or 360-438-4366.
