A Year in Review
The 2017 year was yet another successful milestone for the Han-Schneider International Children’s Foundation. The organization stayed true to the vision of our founder and the mission of our organization – to care for some of the most destitute and vulnerable children around the world.
Last year we implemented a pilot program in Tanzania to reward students for their attendance and class achievements. It was an amazing program that encouraged our students to strive for more and raise their level of expectation. Through the success of this program, we expanded the Student of the Month program into Cambodia. The purpose of the program is to reward students who go above and beyond the daily tasks of school. They are awarded with notebooks, colored pencils and other “luxury” items in the hopes that it will instill a sense of self-worth and inspire others in their classes to achieve greater. We look forward to growing this program at both the Meserani Preschool in Tanzania and the Han-Schneider Balang Preschol in Cambodia so more students are recognized and encouraged to reach their highest potential.
In 2016, we began a partnership with Genesis International Orphanage Foundation a non-profit organization that has been serving children and orphans in Baja California, Mexico. In 2017, we decided to increase funding into our Mexico nourishment program from the overwhelming support and impact we were making in the region. The foundation sent over 540,000 meals distributed to 76 organizations that serve approximately 5,100 children. We are grateful for all of our local partners in the area who share our mutual interest in changing lives and nourishing so many underserved children.
In Tanzania, the growth of the Han-Schneider Learning Center has flourished as a career oriented program. This year saw the graduation of 9 students from the dressmaking class. As their final project, the students were required to make several articles of clothing for the preschool children that were showcased at their very own fashion show, modeled by the children themselves. It was a heartfelt celebration as the children were full of smiles. In addition, the computer class saw 12 students enrolled in the 4 month course. After completion of both courses, the students either started their own business or found jobs based upon the training and skills they received from the center. We are blessed with many teachers and trainers at our facilities who dedicate their time and effort to equip our students with the necessary skills for success.
In June, the Foundation hosted the 4th Annual Sam Han Classic charity golf tournament. This year’s tournament was held for the first time at Brookside Golf Course. We also saw a change in the reception as we switched from a post-tournament reception to a pre-tournament barbeque which was met with great enthusiasm. The 4th Annual Sam Han Classic saw the most participants in the tournament’s short history with 95 golfers. The tournament raised nearly $20,000 for our ongoing programs across the globe.
2017 also saw a first for the Han-Schneider as we proactively got involved in the relief effort of Hurricane Harvey. As we watched the devastation unfold, our organization knew we had to get involved in helping in any way we could. Fortunately, Leonard Tham, a long-time volunteer of our foundation moved to Austin, TX and played an important role in our relief project. Instead of directing funds to the Red Cross, we wanted to have a direct impact on the community. Thus, we initiated an emergency relief project for the victims of Harvey where we could get much needed supplies directly in the hands of those impacted. Our plan was to purchase essential products, rent a U-Haul and personally deliver the items to The Foundry, a local church in the Houston area playing a major role in helping families get these much needed items. We purchased 4 pallets of water (192 cases), 1 pallet of ramen (75 cases) and 35 cases of baby wipes. All of these items were successfully delivered on September 9, by Leonard and were distributed by The Foundry Church to those in need.
The Foundation continued its Mission Trip Program in 2017 with a trip to Ensenada, Mexico. Our mission's program first began in 2013 with a trip to Tanzania to allow our friends, family and supporters a chance to put a face to our cause and see how their generosity is impacting the lives of so many children. The team from HSICF, which consisted of 10 members, was paired up with Casa Hogar La Gloria, an orphanage located in Tijuana, Mexico. During our time, we took the children offsite to a trampoline park, took a boat tour of Ensenada Bay and then concluded the outing with a tour of the fish market and an ice cream treat, which children truly enjoyed. The highlight of the week was a trip to the beach where the “ninos” collected seashells, played in the sand and swam in the warm blue waters of Ensenada. The memories and bonds created were so impactful that the HSICF is looking to help Casa Hogar La Gloria on a continuous basis and have already made plans to return again next year to create more memories with the children (more on that to come!).
Finally, the Han-Schneider International Children’s Foundation hosted its first charity poker tournament on November 18 at the Greenbar Distillery in the Arts District of Downtown LA. The event was well attended with over 90 guests. The evening started with cocktail hour where our guests enjoyed small bites and an open bar. The tournament kicked off shortly after on the distillery floor amongst the copper stills and barrels that made this such a unique venue. As the players were busy on the distillery floor, attendees in the Diamond Lounge were treated to wine tastings from San Antonio Winery and complimentary bingo games to win prizes. The poker tournament winner, David Yang, took home the grand prize – a one week stay in Cabo San Lucas. The evening raised over $10,000 in program funding to continue our work in Cambodia, Mexico and Tanzania.
In total, the Han-Schneider International Children’s Foundation served 5,200 children with 562,275 meals in 2017 raising our overall total to over 5.6 million meals served to date.
On behalf of the staff here at the Han-Schneider International Children’s Foundation and the children we serve across the globe, a heartfelt thank you for your support in 2017. We were able to accomplish all of our goals and save many lives, all because of your generosity and support.
As look ahead with anticipation for 2018, we promise to stretch every dollar we receive, never turn our backs when there is a child in need and continue to spread the love and hope that every child wants and deserves. We hope we can continue to count on your support in 2018. Have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018!
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