Blog

by Emily Clott, class of 2012

Occasionally, volunteering as a CAC Docent, Exhibit Host, or Education Guide feels like a thankless task. Traveling to the Center to give a tour or to host exhibits when no guests show up, standing on a River Boat or walking the streets trying to give an interesting tour in Chicago’s punishing weather, and trying to fulfill requirements when few tours are available may have you asking why you even bother.

Then suddenly the sun comes out, you get to chat with colleagues, someone treats you like an important guest by rolling out the red carpet in appreciation of your efforts, and you are reminded of why this is such a great gig despite the occasional pitfalls. 

Wednesday, April 12 was such a day. CAC’s volunteer department partnered with Willis Tower for a special event in honor of National Volunteer Week. We were invited to a complimentary guided tour showcasing Willis Tower’s transformed public dining and entertainment space, Catalog. The 80 docents, volunteers, and docent trainees who attended received the red carpet treatment as enthusiastic guides showed us around Catalog, the food court, meeting spaces, and outdoor terrace on the lower three levels of the building. Catalog is a reference to the building’s origins as the Sears corporate headquarters.

Off to the Skydeck where waiting in line for the elevator has never been so much fun. We passed through the  “museum,” a series of interactive exhibits.  Photo opps include a chance to pose with Michael Jordan, the Obamas and Oprah Winfrey. You could sit on a Chicago-style hot dog or lie down on a deep-dish pizza; ride on a simulated L car; and learn about the Great Chicago Fire and historic architecture.

Speedy elevators whisked us up to Skydeck, the 103rd floor perch that allows a bird’s eye view of the city. We could step onto the Ledge, a plexiglass box that makes you feel you are standing on thin air. Many of us overcame a fear of heights and walked out on the Ledge. No one fell to the earth. Ledge-1, Gravity-0.

After the Ledge, we were ready for the cocktails and delicious nibbles provided by Kindling, Catalog’s new restaurant boasting a live fire show kitchen. The ambiance was warm and embracing, and it felt like old times. We recaptured the sense of camaraderie that’s re-emerging after a couple of pandemic-clouded seasons. 

Thanks to CAC and the team at Willis Tower for showing appreciation for what we do. And we learned a new fun fact: The Willis Tower is 223 Michael Jordans tall –priceless!

Click on the following links to access more photos from the event, fact sheet, and more information regarding the Skydeck Reopening.

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