HISTORY

In 2008, our founder launched the 9/11 Wave of Flags display at Pepperdine University, honoring each life lost on that tragic day with an individual flag. That same year, he initiated the Ride to the Flags, a motorcycle charity ride dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders. A few years later, he established the White Heart Foundation, initially focused on providing essential services and equipment to our nation’s heroes. Over time, the foundation refined its mission, placing mental health support at its core—a commitment that continues to drive our work today.

Why ‘White Heart’

In short, it sounded cool. Branding plays a crucial role in any mission, and when founding the organization, Ryan sought a name with strong, simple imagery (color and symbol) — much like the universally recognized Red Cross. The inspiration came from the Purple Heart, a distinguished U.S. military decoration given to those wounded or lost in service. With that in mind, the White Heart Foundation was born, evoking the idea of a symbolic military decoration. The name "White Heart" also carries a deeper meaning—representing the purity of giving, which perfectly aligns with our mission.