On November 18, 2011, more than 350 guests gathered together in Hollywood, California at the Taglyan Cultural Center for the 3rd Annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction, hosted by the Han Schneider International Children’s Foundation. Themed “Heart-in-heart: A Celebration of the Worldwide Community”, this event was created with the intent of raising funds and spreading awareness about the plight of the orphans and children around the world.
The HSICF, a non-profit organization founded by philanthropist Sam Han Schneider, reaches out to the most destitute children around the world from Tanzania to Cambodia, and even North Korea. Thriving off of the motto “To Live is to Love!” the HSICF strives to bring hope and love into the hearts of children by sending basic provisions, food aid, and other humanitarian supplies.
Currently, Mr. Han is pushing for the passage of the North Korean Refugee Adoption Act of 2011, which would require the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive strategy to simply the complex process that American families must undergo to adopt a North Korean orphan. By gaining congressional endorsement for the North Korean Refugee Adoption Act of 2011, also known as SB. 416, Han hopes to ameliorate the living conditions of the orphans and enable them to be taken in by loving families.
Mr. Han was once an orphan, made a wandering vagrant during the Korean War. But with the help and support of Dr. Arthur Schneider, a Caucasian man who adopted Han through a special bill passed in congress that enabled him to adopt Han as a single parent, Han was given a second chance at life. Now, Mr. Han’s mission is to help the starving orphans around the world, in light of both the suffering and salvation he received during his childhood. Han has dedicated the HSICF to Dr. Schneider, as his goal is to carry out the philanthropic legacy of the father who had brought a miracle into his life.
The grand Annual Benefit Event involved a cocktail reception, five-course dinner, and both silent and live auctions. Special performances with singing, dance numbers, and speeches were incorporated into the day, giving the auction participants an enjoyable evening. Numerous auction items, from tickets to make up sets, and from diamond necklaces to beautiful dresses, were all donated by generous sponsors. Some items, such as the Manzanita Trees, were hand decorated and meticulously crafted by parents and high school volunteers. Mr. Han took the opportunity to honor these volunteers for their dedication and contributions, as they all had committed much time and energy into making the event possible. 
Nine years ago, Mr. Han was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, and incurable cancer of the bone marrow. Despite his health condition, however, he maintains an unwavering commitment to his mission and constantly seeks ways to help the children around the world.
“He is such a great source of inspiration- he is the epitome of hope and love,” said Jay Nam, a high school volunteer. “Instead of lying in bed resting, he prays for another day so that he can save another life. I’m touched by his selflessness.”
Mr. Han remains undeterred. In fact, his constant smiling and vibrant voice make it almost impossible to guess that he were ill. His energy, enthusiasm, and commitment are truly what enable the foundation to succeed, as he is filled with hope for a better tomorrow. Mr. Han explains, “I believe that I have found my calling and purpose in life. Helping these children is truly the greatest medicine of all.”
For more information, visit http://www.han-schneider.org/.
