Meet Our Founder
Ian Rich is 18 years old. He is a young man that possess a heart characterized by compassion.
A part of the Jr. Leadership program where Ian trained, young martial artists were required to learn new words. Operation Blanket was created through a discussion of the word 'compassion'. He wanted know how children and their families kept warm at night if they didn't have homes.
Ian has always had a servant's heart. However, it was through his training and the leadership program that introduced him to working, in a teaching capacity, with young children that developed his understanding and awareness of the needs of others.
He is not currently training in martial arts, however, he continues to serve his community as a dedicated teacher's aide at a local childcare center. He is the youngest of six. He has five older sisters and enjoys being an uncle to his ten nieces and nephews.
He lives with his mom, dad and their dog named Bear!
Recognition & Milestones
2014-2022
- Received City of Santa Rosa Merit Award (09/22)
- Received Junior Lifeguard certification from The American Red Cross (07/19)
- Grant Recipient from Sonoma Wine Country Weekend (04/17)
- Ian's Fire Survival Story in the Press Democrat (11/17)
- Grant Recipient from Sonoma Wine Country Weekend (04/16)
- 30 under 30 Inspiring Individuals in Sonoma County (09/16)
- Resolution of Alignment with Upstream Portfolio Model Programs (02/15)
- Grant Recipient from Sonoma Wine Country Weekend (04/15)
- Sonoma County's Hometown Hero (08/15)
- Red Cross 'Real Hero' nomination (12/15)
- Operation Blanket highlighted in the Press Democrat (12/15)
- Blanket Drives begin in Sonoma County (04/14)
- First blanket delivery to Catholic Charities Family Services (10/14)
- Champion of Children Peer Leadership Award (11/14)
- Volunteers at 'A Child's Place to Shop' holiday event (12/14)
