Balmoral Gratitude

Colin Smith’s own memories of being hungry or in need as a child in Scotland made him understand the power of sympathy and the impact of help from strangers. As the owner of Balmoral Restaurant, Colin is always looking for opportunities to show appreciation and give back to the community that has supported and embraced Balmoral’s Scottish fare and traditions. View the different philanthropic experiences Balmoral has been a part of throughout the years.

Seniors Day

Local Community – Balmoral has been organizing Seniors Day—a day way Seniors are honored with a free 3-course meal—every year since the restaurant first opened its doors in 2018. Growing up Colin saw his share of generosity, specifically from the Seniors of his community so with Seniors Day it’s an opportunity to pay it forward and it has become a tradition at Balmoral. The first year Balmoral was able to feed 300 Seniors in a day—in 2021 Balmoral nearly fed 600!

Carroll Tower – Balmoral is committed to supporting the local Seniors community by offering a festive holiday 3-course dinner at no charge for the 100 residents of Carroll Towers Retirement Community in St. Charles, IL.

Global Neighbors—Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Balmoral Restaurant partnered with Gail Borden Public Library for a celebration of Scotland and Scottish author Robert Byrnes. Balmoral served a samples of signature fare common in Scotland at this free community event.

Scotland and It’s Traditions— St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles, IL

Balmoral Restaurant prepared traditional recipes and used techniques that are attributed to the Scotland. At this free event for the community, attendees were able laugh and learn as Balmoral Restaurant’s chefs, walked guests through the dishes that will transport you to the dining hall of Balmoral Castle or to the rolling hillsides of Scotland.

Culinary Interludes with EYSO—Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra Elgin, IL

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra attracts a national reputation for providing not only an engaging musical experience for its students, but also a comprehensive learning environment which promotes curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration. Excited to be a part of their fundraiser in 2020, Balmoral’s head chef, provided a virtual tutorial on how to make a guest favorite with Campsie Glen Chicken.

Purses with Purpose

Collaboratively Purses with Purpose and the Elgin Community College Foundation has been able to establish a $115,724+ endowed scholarship fund and have awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to 77 women in 7 years. Purses with a Purpose is the largest giving circle in the ECC Foundation and is 33 members strong. In 2020, Balmoral Restaurant was hosted an Afternoon Tea for their fundraiser, which raises scholarship funds for women furthering their education at ECC.