SOAR to Host the Blueprints II Fundraiser at the MCA

SOAR, established in 1975

On August 13, 2007, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents will hold the Blueprints II fundraiser at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

Labeled as "the best Streeterville party of the year," the Blueprints II fundraiser will offer an evening of enjoyment for all who attend. The event will include delicious, Mediterranean-inspired food provided by the famous Wolfgang Puck catering, along with the exotic sights and sounds of Flamenco guitar, singing and dancing.

The current layout for this year's event.

Artwork, such as this piece created by Stanley Tigerman, will be available at the auction.

Along with the food and entertainment, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) will hold both live and silent auctions. At these auctions, one will find many unique and highly collectible items that any patron of the arts would love to own. Among these items are rare, one of a kind works by artists such as Santiago Calatrava, Alfonso Ianelli, Walter Netsch and many more. Along with the many fine pieces of art, there will be auctions for items such as gift certificates for some of Chicago's finest establishments including Tru, Rhapsody, bluprint and the Rockit Bar, along with posters from the Goodman Theater, The Jeoffry Ballet, the Steppenwolf Theater and the Lyric opera. Also up for auction will be a private tour of the beautiful new Spertus Museum on Michigan avenue, an artifact from the famed Chicago Stadium and more.

This terra cotta piece is one of the many architecture-related items up for auction at this year's event.

But, besides the great food, music and auctions at the event, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents will also be honoring the Museum of Contemporary Art with the first ever "Pillars of the Community' honor." This honor recognizes businesses, corporations and associations, along with health care, educational, cultural, and religious institutions that have offered a significant outreach to the Streeterville community.

According to SOAR President Gail Spreen, SOAR chose to honor the Museum of Contemporary Art with this recognition because of the multitude of programs and events the museum offers. President Spreen says that events like the Farmers' Market, Tuesdays on the Terrace, First Fridays and Bark at the Art, coupled with a "responsible and sensitive attitude towards the needs of the neighbors" are the main reasons why the Museum of Contemporary Art will be the first institution to receive this honor.

And according to the Museum of Contemporary Art's Pritzker Director, Robert Fitzpatrick, they couldn't be more honored to receive this recognition.

SOAR's passion for the community can be seen through volunteer-managed gardens such as this one.

Director Fitzpatrick says "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."

Like Director Fitzpatrick said, Streeterville truly is a dynamic community. And that energy and devotion can be seen at this year's Blueprints II fundraiser, as Chicagoans come together for a night of fun and charity in celebration of that passion for the community.

Tickets for the event are $100 and can be purchased online at the official SOAR website. For more information, including up-to-date auction listings and menu information, please visit www.soarchicago.org.