Connecting for Good

Like many Rotary members, Mario Costantini is actively involved in his community. He and his wife own a business and support a variety of nonprofit organizations near their home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, including Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap, an educational dance program for children. With so many commitments, Costantini hesitated when he was asked to join the Rotary Club of Milwaukee.

"I finally said yes out of a sense of obligation, but after I joined I realized how glad I was that I did," he says. "The connections I've made through my club have really helped my nonprofit work." At one club meeting, Costantini happened to sit next to club member Gregory Thornton, the superintendent of Milwaukee public schools. As a result of their conversation, the Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap program is offered in 50 public and private schools throughout the area.

"The members of my club are very involved in our city–we have business people, educators, and government officials," Costantini says. "It has been a great way to network with these wonderful people."