Stacey Weiss: FACES of Atlanta
When Stacey Weiss wishes upon a star, dreams come true for kids fightingΒ chronic and terminal illnesses. Learn how faith, trust and pixie dust swirl around this co-founder of the Bert's Big Adventure organization.
In 2002, Stacey Weiss co-founded Bertβs Big Adventure along with Bert Weiss, hostΒ of the morning radio hit βThe Bert Show.β They setΒ forth on a mission to take kids battling chronic and terminal illnessesΒ onΒ the trip of a lifetime: Disney World in VIP style, with all the magic possible. The foundersΒ read βThe Disney Way,β establishingΒ the nonprofitΒ using the Disney principles to create a charity phenomenon championed by listeners across Atlanta. Bertβs Big AdventureΒ wasΒ further embraced when βThe Bert Showβ went into syndication across other states. Just returning from the 13th annual excursion, Stacey proudly shares insight from the heart of anΒ organization thatβs now joined together 157 families andΒ sprinkled them all with a heaping dose of pixie dust. Meet todayβs FACES of Atlanta profile, Stacey Weiss.
Where did the idea for Bertβs Big Adventure originate?
When Bert was working in radio in Dallas from 1996-98, he participated in a similar organization called Kiddβs Kids. It impacted him so greatly that we decided that when we had our own show we would do something similar. Fast forward to 2001, we started βThe Bert Showβ in Atlanta, and six months later, the birth of Bertβs Big Adventure began.
How are the families selected each year?
Interested families must first fill out an application to be considered. We receive hundreds of applications each year, so the review process is pretty extensive. Because we are limited by the number of seats on theΒ plane, we are limited in the number of families that we can take each year to Walt Disney World. For that reason, our selection committee β made up of doctors and nurses throughout the community β painstakingly struggles over each application.Β However, while itβs an EXTREMELY difficult decision for the committee, the families that are selected typically have some of the most difficult day-to-day struggles and the longest battles, while still maintaining the most positive attitudes!
Who funds the trip?
An amazing outpouring of generosity from the community. The entire adventure is funded by donations from listeners of βThe Bert Show,β corporate sponsors and grants.
This is much more than a trip to Disney World, isnβt it?
Yes, itβs about connection. Families of children with special needs often feel isolated and alone. Bringing together these families of similar circumstances for a shared experience initiates an almost-immediate bond. They are able to support each other, because they totally understand what the other is going through and can be there for each other in ways that others canβt. We help maintain those connections through our various reunion parties and other events. I canβt even begin to describe the joy that brings!
What have you been most surprised to learn about yourself along this journey?
I have learned humility. Because I am a mom, I bond with the mothers of these children quickly. They show me what true selflessness is all about and influence me to strive toward that goal in all aspects of my life.
Do your own children participate in Bertβs Big Adventure work and activities?
My own children attend all of the local events and are so kind to all of the families. They make me so proud with their loving-ness. They will not attend the trips until they are old enough to be completely selfless as a staff person β at 12 and 7Β years old they arenβt quite there yet.
How can the communityΒ get involved with the BBA team?
- Donate!
- Host a fundraising event or help findΒ new partnerships
- Volunteer as a Fairy Godparent
Check out the website at bertsbigadventure.orgΒ for all the specific information.
In which areas do you need major support?
Cash or in-kind donations β¦ as I mentioned, the generosity of our community continues to humble every single one of us. Yet the more we grow, the more we need. For instance, right now, we need to find a larger plane to be able to transportΒ the whole group together on one planeΒ down to Orlando.
Whatβs your long-term vision for the Bertβs Big AdventureΒ program and family?
That it will continue alongΒ the current path and, at the same time, that we will be able to afford to grow the adventure nationally along with the syndication of βThe Bert Show.β
OK, letβs have some fun with a Disney-themed Lightning Round. Give us your:
- Favorite ride: Tower of Terror
- Park treat of choice: Mickey-shaped Rice Krispie Treats
- Top Disney sing-along song: βLet It Goβ from Frozen
- Cartoon alter-ego: Tinkerbell
- Signature princess story: Brave
Where are some of your favorite local spots for shopping, dining or just hanging out?
- Shopping:Β Swoozieβs, Michael Kors, Fabβrik
- Dining:Β Avellinoβs, Davioβs, 10 Degrees South
- Hangout:Β Tin Lizzyβs, Smokebelly, Big Ketch
Whatβs on your personal reading list right now?
Just about anything by David Baldacci.
Name three random, lighthearted things you cannot live without.
My lash extensions, my nails and hair bleach.
Stacey, your incredible workΒ and the enthusiasm of your entire team is awesome and inspiring. Thank you for filling us with yourΒ spiritΒ of hope and adventure!
