America's Helping Hands
a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation
About Us

Our Mission Statement

"We bring joy and memories to families
of ill children
by casting's their child's hands
and presenting these tokens of kindness
to the families as a gift."


Board Of Directors

Mel W. Slavick
President/Co-Founder/Sculptor

         Mel, a US citizen was born in the Panama Canal Zone. As a child, Mel and his family came to the US and settle in the Los Angeles area and later Orange County. He attended school in Orange. That is where, with the support of his family, he realized that he had a gift for the Arts. He accepted an internship at South Coast Repertory Theater. From there he went on to have a successful career in the entertainment industry doing sculptures for movies and amusement parks.
         Mel has been a successful sculptor for the entertainment industry with over 15 years experience. His clients include Disney, Warner Brothers, Universal, Paramount, Knotts Berry Farm, and Movieland Wax Museum. He has been commissioned by the private sector and by several celebrities as well for many years to do personal sculptures. President George Bush personally asked Mel to create a sculpture of himself and Mrs. Bush for his Presidential Library in Texas. His career in the art world ha s taken him to far off places as far away as Thailand, Hong Kong, Canada and throughout the USA.
         At the age of 30 he retired from the arts and decided to branch out into the realm of volunteerism in his community. Mel spent over 4 years granting close to 60 wishes for terminally ill children with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. After a short hiatus, he embarked on a new endeavor.
         Mel founded America's Helping Hands (AHH)in May of '95, with his own personal funds and that of his family. Mel wanted to bring many celebrated stars and their favorite charities to the American public's attention. His first sets of hands were those of Jay Leno. Mel thought he could get approximately 20-30 stars to lend a hand, but to his surprise, the overwhelming support was amazing. He has traveled throughout the USA accumulating these pieces of art for over 5 years - over 134 wonderful pairs of hands giving back to America.

Frank Cook
Vice President

         Born in Washington, raised in Virginia, Frank has been residing in California for the past twenty three years. He and his wife Anna have their quota of "2.5 children", ( One girl Aulbree, one boy Austin, and one dog Rusty ). Frank has been a practicing nurse for nineteen years; six of which were spent as a Flight Nurse in the U.S. Army. He is an avid reader and enjoys American Civil War studies. He has sat on the Board of Directors at his church for two years and currently on three different boards at his place of employment, Universal Care Medical Group. Frank has always taken pleasure in helping other throughout his life and has been involved with the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and now strives to make the America's Helping Hands project a success.


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