Save the Date for the 32nd Annual Food for Thought
Tuition Assistance Fundraiser

Wednesday, November 19 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hilton Portland Downtown
921 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Food for Thought supports our mission to provide an all-girls, Catholic education to any young woman who desires it, regardless of financial circumstances. In 2025-26, St. Mary's Academy will provide nearly $2 million in financial aid to 45% of our families.

Food for Thought 2025 will feature an inspiring keynote address, as well as a student testimonial, and opportunities to share in our commitment to fostering the next generation of female leaders.

Our 2025 Keynote Speaker: Libby Moore

Libby Moore has a decorated background as former Chief of Staff to Oprah Winfrey, who she worked with for over a decade during The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is now an international speaker, executive coach, and founder of LoveX Global.

 Libby passionately believes that leading from your heart and embracing your authentic self is now more important than ever, in our ever-increasing artificial world.

Food for Thought is graciously hosted by our event Chairs. These remarkable women, members of two multigenerational St. Mary's families, embody the enduring legacy and transformative power of a St. Mary's education. United by a shared belief that young women are powerful, they are deeply committed to fostering the next generation of women leaders.

2025 Food for Thought Chairs
Barbi Monroe Nelp ’59 & Lisa Andersen Bryson ’85
Marianne Wilson Stein ’82, Katherine Stein ’10, & Jan Collver Holland ’56 (Honorary Chair)

Tickets are on sale now! Join us via the link below.

Purchase tickets

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsor FOOD FOR THOUGHT
By sponsoring Food for Thought, you make a statement that you are a leader in women’s empowerment and education. 500+ attendees will join us for the luncheon, including alumnae, SMA parents, community members, business leaders, and supporters. This platform allows you a direct connection with our audience to promote your work, create authentic relationships with community leaders, and expand your reach.

You can read more about our sponsorship opportunities here. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Liz Olufson, liz.olufson@smapdx.org.

Click here to learn more: Food for Thought Sponsorship Opportunities

SUPPORT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What impact will your gift have?
In 2025-26, St. Mary's Academy will provide nearly $2 million in financial aid to 45% of our families. Now more than ever, these funds are critical to ensuring we can continue to provide an unmatched level of educational excellence to every young woman in the year ahead.

$20,150 will sponsor a student’s tuition for one year.

$8,000 will fund the average financial aid award for one student.

$5,500 will cover the gap between tuition and the actual cost of education.

$2,000 will fund a quarter of the average financial aid award for one student.

$1,198 provides a fully equipped iPad for two students receiving financial aid.

$599 provides a fully equipped iPad for one student receiving financial aid.

$249 provides one dollar for each student receiving financial aid. 

The young women of St. Mary’s Academy are grateful for your generous support!