Hyla Weiss Shares Her Journey Of Balancing Fundraising And Family

As reported By Butterfly Co-Founder, Bradi Nathan

BN:In my most recent act of volunteerism I assumed the role of signing children in and out for a half-day school activity. This sort of position can be compared to that of a lion tamer. I need not say more. My intention was to get involved. However, this was not the type of involvement or cause related volunteerism that I had envisioned. My kids were happy to see me only until they became so immersed in the show and their own friends. Why was I there? Oh yeah, I wanted to get involved.

Hyla Weiss, mother of two, takes “involvement” to an entirely different level! Before having children, Hyla held a highly-coveted position at Vanity Fair magazine. She is now significantly responsible for the fundraising efforts for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and has contributed immensely to her Temple, B’nai Abraham, as well. It is worth mentioning that Hyla has personally helped to raise over $1,000,000. In an exclusive interview with Butterfly, Hyla shares her journey of balancing fundraising and family:

BN:What did you do before you had children?

HW:I worked in advertising in client services on the marketing side for 11 years and then moved to publishing where I worked at Vanity Fair in sales for three years. While my first child was still young, I did project work in advertising for a couple of years.

BN:How did the skills applied to corporate come into play now?

HW:I learned very early on that passion for what you are doing is paramount. If you love what you do, then there is no end to your motivation and commitment. It keeps you going.

BN:Is there a cause that you are most passionate about and why?

HW:Yes. I am vice president of fundraising for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) of NJ. When I was younger, right after college, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It really was a very difficult journey since I was right out of school anxious to get my career off the ground. I was working crazy hours, making presentations, traveling and it was very difficult to deal with this disease and be so focused on my career. There were many many occasions when I was really sick and I just had to bite the bullet and be at meetings and give presentations when all I wanted to do was be home in bed. But believe it or not, it made me stronger in the long run.

BN:At what point in your life did you feel compelled to give back?

HW:My disease got so bad, that I had to have an emergency procedure that saved my life. Without it, I would literally not be here. It was about a year and a half going in and out of the hospital; I learned that life is so delicate. I need to help others because when I was sick there were so many people who were so good to me, that didn’t even know me. I never took someone's kindness for granted. I was a patient to them and they went to work everyday with the purpose to help and care for other people. I will never ever forget that. It has changed me forever.

BN:What type of role model do you think you are for your children?

HW:I try very hard to be everything to my kids. I am not particularly strict, although I do have issues that I am tough on! I try to create an environment for my kids and family where we enjoy our time together. I want them to feel that our home is a place they want to be rather than a place they have to be. Each of my kids have a lot of breathing room and if they fall, they know that I'll always be there to catch them. But, I don’t necessarily think it is bad if they fall in the first place. It is how I think they will grow and become stronger people. Both of my kids know that it is very important to me that they think of others and give back in some way.

BN:Do you ever involve your children in your work?

HW:Oh yes. There is not a mailing that they are not involved in! We talk all the time about the importance of making a difference in our community.

BN:How much of your time is focused on fundraising?

HW:I would say about one-third of my time is focused on my personal passion of helping others.

BN:How do you balance giving to causes and giving to your family?

HW:It is not ever a question. It just becomes part of what I do and how it all fits into our family life. My family knows that it is important to me and whatever time it takes, I do it. It doesn’t ever take away from my kids. I would never trade one thing for another. It is who we are. They know mom has her projects; it's almost like my job.

BN:Who has inspired you on your journey?

HW:Hard question! People who I saw helping others along my journey with my disease inspired me to make a difference.

BN:Your family must be proud?

HW:I guess, but it is more about fulfilling the need in my heart to give back. It is actually kind
of selfish because in the end, it makes me feel good. Also, I really want my children to know that they are so fortunate, and that it is important to help others.

BN:Any additional thoughts/advice?

HW:I feel lucky to be able to talk about my passions.

If you are interested in getting involved in Hyla’s cause, visit the Crohn’s & Colitis foundation of America website at www.ccfa.org.