For 40 years, Don Quijote restaurant has been more than just a landmark dining establishment in Valparaiso, Indiana. It’s been a pillar of community support, demonstrating how local businesses can make a significant impact through philanthropy and community engagement.
Owners and business partners Carlos and Elena have built a legacy of giving that extends far beyond their Spanish cuisine. Their journey began with a simple desire to give back to a community that had welcomed them with open arms.
“The community has been incredibly supportive,” Carlos reflects. “Even now, when I think about all the benefits we’ve hosted, it’s amazing that most—around 90%—of the attendees are local community members. It’s not just a one-time thing; they show up for two, three, sometimes four or five events a year.”
Don Quijote’s philanthropic efforts are diverse and impactful. They range from hosting benefit dinners for local charities to establishing a scholarship foundation that helps students study abroad in Spain. The restaurant typically hosts 6-7 benefit events annually, each requiring significant time, effort, and resources, but this year that number looks to be much higher.
Their approach to these benefits is nothing short of generous. The restaurant matches the first $2,000 in donations for each event and covers all food, drink, and labor costs. This means that every dollar raised goes directly to the cause. These events, often wine tastings paired with four-course dinners, can raise substantial amounts -usually close to or exceeding $50,000 per event.
The causes they support are varied, including Meals on Wheels, The Caring Place, Boys and Girls Club, and many more. They’ve even responded to global crises, raising over $20,000 for Ukrainian relief efforts through the Red Cross. Hilltop House of Valparaiso is a regular cause for which Don Quijote often holds fundraisers for. When asked what this means for Hilltop House, they responded,
“Carlos and Elena have made a tremendous impact not only on Hilltop, but the Valparaiso community as a whole. They’ve donated their time, talents, and treasures toward hosting multiple fundraisers in support of Hilltop’s Food Pantry, Mobile Pantry Unit, Children’s Community Garden, and now the new Hilltop Mission Kitchen. They continue to put themselves and their business in a position to help those in need and have such a passion for putting an end to hunger and food insecurity in Valpo. They are true Hilltop Heros and a staple in the Valparaiso Community.”
But perhaps what’s most inspiring is the personal touch they bring to their philanthropy. Carlos shares a touching anecdote about supporting a Spanish teacher’s efforts to send deserving students on educational trips to Spain. This initiative grew into the Don Quijote Scholarship Foundation, which now boasts an endowment of $380,000 and provides around $30,000 in grants annually.
The restaurant’s commitment to giving back has fostered a unique relationship with its customers. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the community rallied around Don Quijote. Customers purchased gift certificates in large amounts, not just for future meals, but as a way to support the restaurant they’d come to see as family.
“I swear I cried a couple of times,” Elena shares, recounting how customers would spend hundreds of dollars on gift certificates just to help the restaurant stay afloat.
For other business owners looking to engage in philanthropy, Carlos and Elena emphasize the importance of passion and commitment. While it’s a lot of work and can impact the bottom line, especially in an industry with thin margins, they find the rewards immeasurable.
As Don Quijote approaches its 40th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and the impact a local business can have when it commits to giving back. From supporting local charities to fostering international education, Don Quijote has woven itself into the fabric of Northwest Indiana, creating a legacy that extends far beyond its delicious Spanish cuisine.
The restaurant continues to look forward, with a calendar full of upcoming benefits and events. Whether it’s their wild game buffet, flamenco shows, or charity wine tastings, Don Quijote remains committed to serving both great food and the greater good.
Don Quijote reminds us of the profound impact that can be made when a business views itself as an integral part of its community. It’s not just about what you serve on the plate, but how you serve the community that truly defines a restaurant’s success.