Get to know this Rotarian: Ben Whiting

Current occupation: I help organizations bring out the best in their people, and break through their perceived limitations. I do that with keynotes, workshops, and the occasional card trick.

How long have you been a Rotarian? About 5 years.

What made you interested in joining Rotary? I had an absolute blast performing in the 2016 Rotary Show and met some wonderful, amazing people. The idea of continuing to have fun with my new friends while giving back to my community was too appealing to resist.

What do you love the most about rotary? The friends I’ve made within the club. Whenever you have the opportunity to work with a fun, like-minded group of people to enrich your community, it’s hard to beat.

What has been your favorite program or volunteer opportunity with rotary to participate in? I’m chair of the Good Works Committee. We take the money raised from the Rotary Show (which I also love participating in) and give it back to local nonprofits in the community. Nonprofits can apply at: https://www.traversecityrotary.org/.../apply-for-good.../

What keeps you with Rotary? The friends I’ve made and the stories of the people and organizations Rotary has helped.

What are you currently reading? The Gilded Girl. It’s a retelling of A Little Princess that takes place in 1920’s New York City and involves magic. It was written by Alyssa Coleman and published in April. I think it’s better than Harry Potter.

What are you currently watching? My wife and I have been rewatching The Wonder Years. Even though it originally aired in the 80’s it HOLDS UP! It’s fantabulous.

What is a fun fact about you? While I spend the majority of my time delivering keynotes and communication workshops now, I have straight-up magic and mind-reading shows happening at Turtle Creek Casino in June and July. It’s called Reconnected and you heard it here first