Time period/Baraboo: 2000 – Present

Submitted by: Shelly Mordini

When you hear Karen De Santo’s name, you smile. Karen has been an energetic and enthusiastically involved person in the Baraboo community for the past 18 years, first as a clown at Circus World where she entertained crowds of young and old with her shenanigans that made you belly laugh. Then Karen developed and ran “Circus Camp” for the youth of Baraboo to learn the tricks of her trade. Culminating in a free circus performance for the community. Presently Karen is the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Baraboo and Tomah. The youth of Baraboo are in good hands with Karen at the helm.

To list Karen’s many volunteer commitments to Baraboo would take two pages. Since I’m limited to two paragraphs, I will just highlight one. Karen was the Master of Ceremonies for the St. Clare Hospice night for many hears. This event raises money for the St. Clare hospice house in Baraboo to run and support families going through end of life treatments. Karen has a knack for getting people open their wallets and to give generously.

Karen is actively involved in community theater. From playing Mama in Chicago to Mrs. Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown, Karen will either make you laugh or cry depending on her character. For a woman who gives openly and generously to our community of Baraboo I propose that Karen DeSanto be nominated for the “People Are the Fabric of the Community” mural project.