CHICAGO.-Although many people think of Streeterville as a busy neighborhood filled with retail stores and tourists, some 25,000 residents call it home and think of it as a friendly neighborhood. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is being recognized as one of the significant reasons why Streeterville feels so much like home. The MCA has been selected as the first recipient of the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) �Pillars of the Community� honor.

The presentation will be held during SOAR�s August 13 benefit/auction, BLUEPRINTs II, scheduled for Monday, 6-9 p.m. at the MCA.

�We are honored to have been chosen as the first recipient of SOAR�s �Pillars of the Community� honor,� said Robert Fitzpatrick, Pritzker Director, Museum of Contemporary Art. �It is easy to be a good neighbor when we are located in such a dynamic community as Streeterville. We believe in bringing our community not just the latest in contemporary visual and performing arts, but programs and events that invite the community to engage with the museum in new ways." Fitzpatrick and Board Chair Helen Zell, both residents of Streeterville themselves, will accept the award on behalf of the museum.

The SOAR �Pillars of the Community� recognition honors businesses, corporations, associations, health care, educational, cultural, and religious institutions that provide ongoing significant outreach to the residents of the Streeterville community. �We chose the MCA as the first recipient because the museum is more than a collection of art. The MCA has created a community-friendly place to gather,� said Gail Spreen, SOAR President. �In particular, the Farmers� Market, �Tuesdays on the Terrace,� educational and family programs, �First Fridays,� �Bark at the Art,� and a responsible and sensitive attitude towards the needs of the neighbors are all examples of why the MCA deserves this honor.� For a list of auction items and tickets for the event, contact SOARChicago@aol.com, or (312)280-2596.

Bounded by Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, Rush Street and East Lake Shore Drive/Oak Street, Streeterville is home to the North Michigan Avenue �Magnificent Mile� as well as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, hotels, restaurants, museums, theaters and shopping malls.