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"I was having an exhibition in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Sam walked into the gallery. He really connected to my larger scale paintings on silk. We struck up a conversation and it was pretty amazing - one of those moments. We knew we could be friends. He invited me to visit his home in Los Angeles, which I did visit several months later.
Han-Schneider came about sometime later. It was at a time when Sam had decided to devote the rest of his life to giving back. Particularly to the Korean children who were suffering in North Korea. Sam himself was an orphan in Seoul after the war. I have a personal connection to Han-Schneider because my eyes and heart were opened wide through my friendship with Sam. He showed me how to help even if it is in some small way. Children all over the world are vulnerable in different ways and we can help them. For four years I served on the advisory board for Han-Schneider. Once, I was charged by the board to find a connection in Cambodia at which point I traveled there to secure a means to help underprivileged children through education, nutrition and medical help. It was easy to learn from Sam; and through him I learned that at best life is short and for some people and children, far too short. If we can help in some way and provide some opportunity let us do so! Our friendship blossomed instantaneously. Sam was a remarkable man. The inspiration is endless. Unfortunately he passed away. Missed forever." -Gary |
About Han-Schneider |
About Sam |
Han-Schneider News |
Founded in 2008 Han-Schneider International Children's Foundation executes its mission of providing basic needs - food, water, clothing, education - to children and orphans in impoverished countries around thee world.
Han-Schneider has also supported causes domestically, including providing relief aid for Hurricane Harvey victims in 2017 and donating school supplies for all the students at Robert E. Lake Elementary School in Las Vegas in 2018, through a partnership with locally-based Foodie Fit and The Backstreet Boys. |
Sang Man "Sam" Han, at just six years old, found himself orphaned in war torn Korea. His early life events include living on the streets of Seoul, experiencing having to beg and relying on the compassion of shelters and strangers to survive. Through strangers who truly have passion for compassion, Sam was led safely to the United States where with the support of a new and loving family, prospered in all aspects of life. Sam became a successful business man and was the loving father of three incredible children. Through all of Sam's life's journey he never forgot the struggle of being an orphan.
After taking a fact finding mission to North Korea in 2007, Sam started the Han-Schnieder International Children's Foundation in honor of his adoptive father, Dr. Arthur Schneider, who always sought to provide to others, especially those most in need. |