Fraternity-Testvériség, 2010 (88. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2010-04-01 / 2. szám
Summer 2010 As a Catholic who supports many other charitable causes, I think community is ultimately about responsibility to one another. We all must serve in some capacity. We all can and must contribute. It can be personal time or personal resources, but we must make choices that are responsible and get involved. With three children, you will probably take advantage of the scholarships HRFA offers children of its members, but what other facets of the organization particularly appealed to you and Wendy? Our children are still quite young and as someone who travels a great deal to Hungary and beyond, I think exposure to cultural events, traditions, and language training will be critical to maintaining the connection to our family’s heritage. Passing it on isn’t always easy, especially in this day and age. The Kossuth house will be even more important as they get older. If any member appreciates the fact that HRFA’s Kossuth House is located in the nation’s capital, you do because you regularly attend its cultural functions and host HAC’s Annual Membership and Board of Directors meetings there. What other events have particularly drawn you to the facility and have been most meaningful to you? As HAC’s president, I know first- hand how important it is to organize and host events for visitors who come to Washington from Hungary and visit our communities beyond its borders. HRFA allows us to host events that help educate both members of our community and policy makers. Given your experiences as a Board Member of several organizations in both business and the non-profit sectors, what do you recommend that HRFA do to increase the public’s awareness of its product line and value? HRFA as a historic institution is widely known and respected, but often people aren’t aware of the contributions fraternal organizations make. They simply don’t understand the concept or business model. In addition, they often aren’t aware of the connection between HRFA’s services and direct community value, or better said, they don’t realize that buying a policy will not only help them but support HRFA’s vital work. This is a disconnect, and that needs to be addressed. Max, what aspect ofHAC has made the greatest impact on the Hungarian-American community? I would say the easiest metric is look at our projects and accomplishments over the years. If people go to our website and look at the “tab” marked “Projects and Accomplishments” I think they would see what we do and have done... day after day and year after year. The detailed list is really amazing. I would say that raising awareness in Washington about the interests of the community and fostering ties between the US and Hungary is near the top. If and when your career takes you in another direction, what do you hope will be your greatest legacy at HAC? I have been so blessed by this unique opportunity and this challenging job. I’ve always worn several hats professionally, and I hope to remain involved for as long as I can, but I don’t think I will remain at the helm of this organization forever. All I can say is that it has been a privilege to serve. Max, there’s a private side to you that people may not realize because you are most often known in Washington as the host at Hungarian events, the spokesman the media turns to for sound-bites or quotes, the Coalition leader who opens doors to politicians who need to hear about Hungarians’ concerns, or the businessman promoting trade between the two countries. What other tidbits should readers know about you that make this particular Teleki so special to so many of us? Well... I really don’t know. This is a hard question to answer. Your flattery is far too generous. First of all, “This Teleki” is incredibly proud of his heritage and family, but I’m certainly not the spokesman for the family, and we’re indeed a very large family. This job requires a great deal of patience and time. The reality is that for me, like most people, I want to do something I like and work with good people, so I consider myself pretty lucky. People often think I’m calm and cool, but the truth is I’m often pretty impatient. It is a virtue I need to work hard on. My wife Wendy knows this and without her patience, love, and support, I would be lost. Tidbits? I love a good steak, Tokaj, scotch, swimming with my kids, and driving from Budapest to Poloske, the town where my grandparents built their home and started their family. Actually going from cities to towns throughout the Carpathian Basin has been the greatest part of my job for more than five years. On a more serious note, I’m also aware that this job is a luxury that many don’t have. Many don’t realize that in my job, like all officers at HAC, we’re not paid for our time. We are expected to give money, raise money, and give our time. I’m not complaining—just explaining why HAC members and leaders are so passionate about our mission. HRFA President Leslie László Megyeri HRFA President Leslie László Megyeri was the high bidder for a signed football from NY Jet's player and quarterback, Hungarian Joe Namath, at the American Hungarian Foundation’s Carousel Ball held in April in New Brunswick, NJ, Proceeds from the auction were donated to the American Hungarian Foundation. The football is currently on display at the Kossuth House in Washington, DC.
