The Chicago Scots Host 176th Annual Saint Andrew’s Day Gala “Feast of The Haggis”

Save the date! The Chicago Scots, the first and oldest non-profit organization in Illinois, is proud to celebrate Scotland and Scottish identity by hosting their 176th Annual Saint Andrew’s Day Gala, “The Feast of the Haggis”, on Friday, December 3 beginning at 5:30 p.m., at the Chicago History Museum located at 1601 N Clark St. Throughout the spectacular evening, guests will enjoy a ‘movable feast’ with delicious bites and cocktails under the direction of Celebrity Guest Chef Gary MacLean from Scotland, along with live entertainment throughout, a special award presentation to honor this year’s Distinguished Citizen and access to the museum’s two newest exhibitions. All proceeds benefit the Chicago Scots’ principal charity, Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care in North Riverside. The Chicago Scots welcome everyone who is Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by inclination! 

This uniquely Scottish evening will be transformed to be a COVID careful event, utilizing the Chicago History Museum’s many exhibit spaces as part of a ‘moveable feast’ with ongoing activities throughout the Museum. Chef Gary MacLean will be the evening’s Celebrity Guest Chef, offering his expertise in all things Scottish fare. Guests will enjoy live entertainment throughout including bagpipers and Highland Dancers; access to the Museum’s two newest exhibits City on Fire: Chicago 1871 and Vivian Maier: In Color, a multimedia exhibition by the American street photographer whose mostly unseen body of work came to light in 2007.  

During this tremendous celebration of tradition, attorney and philanthropic leader James L. Alexander will receive the 2021 Distinguished Citizen Award, the highest honor the Chicago Scots gives- in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions. As the second individual Co-trustee of the Morse and Genius Trusts, Alexander has been fortunate to work with corporate Co-trustees JPMorgan Chase Bank and Bank of America on a wide variety of philanthropic endeavors, including the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Dominican University, the Burnham Centennial, The LGBT Community Fund at The Chicago Community Trust, the Chicago History Museum, and the Diversity Working Group, which led to the creation of The Chicago High School for the Arts. A past and present member of a number of Chicago non-profit boards, Alexander currently is a Vice President of Lyric Opera, Chair Emeritus of the Harris Theater for Music and Dance and the Chicago History Museum, and a member of the advisory council for the Illinois Justice Project. Jim’s father, William H. Alexander received Chicago Scots Distinguished Citizen Award in 1995.  

Tickets to the event begin at $200 per person for general admission which includes access to the open bar, the movable feast, and admission to the exhibits; along with a $250 ticket price that includes general access along with a special toast to Gus Noble, and a $500 ticket price that includes all of the above along with access to the special presentation and reception honoring this year’s Distinguished Citizen. Patron and sponsorship packages are also available beginning at $2,500. For more information on sponsorships, please email Dawn Miller at DawnMiller@ChicagoScots.org. Donations of any kind are also very welcome. For more information about the Chicago Scots’ or to purchase tickets to the 176th Annual St. Andrew’s Day and “Feast of the Haggis”, please visit the Eventbrite link by clicking here. The dress code for the event is black tie and tartan recommended! 

Staying true to their commitment to safety during the pandemic, this event will follow the the most current COVID-19 safety protocol. Proof of vaccination will be required for attendance.