Open Hearts foundation origin Story

Jane Seymour, Co-Founder of the Open Hearts Foundation, has always been inspired by her mother’s advice – that love has no boundaries and flows unconditionally. That advice stemmed from Jane’s mother’s experience as a survivor of a Japanese internment camp in World War II. She survived three and a half horrific years by caring for fellow prisoners who were far worse off than she was. Focusing her energy on serving others under the most difficult circumstances was the only way she survived.

Jane was greatly impacted by her mother’s story. When confronted with her own personal challenges – divorce, single motherhood, the threat of losing her home, and being near broke – Jane spent some of the last money she had on a charity auction for an artist to draw her children. At her home, the artist saw some of Jane’s paintings, and offered her free art lessons. It was then that she discovered her love and unique talent for art, which led to a series of positive influences in her life, including a new career, new passions, and the inspiration for the Open Hearts Philosophy.

Every time Jane painted a heart, it was open, and when there were two or more, they were always connected. This iconic image symbolizes the Open Hearts Philosophy, and was the beginning of her quest inspire and empower people to turn their personal adversity into an opportunity to help others.

When Signet Jewelers, the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry, learned of this story and inspiration while Jane was on the TV series “Dancing with the Stars,” they approached her about creating a line of jewelry with the Open Hearts symbol. That business partnership sold billions of dollars worth of jewelry through Kay Jewelers and also started the philanthropic beginning of the Open Hearts Foundation. Jane’s vision was to create a Foundation that inspired the world to help others and provided immediate grants to small, emerging charities who aligned with the Open Hearts Philosophy.

What started as a cause marketing campaign has grown into a movement of like-minded people working together for the greater good. Over sixty charities have been supported by the Foundation and thousands of volunteers have been inspired to do what they can to help others through virtual and in-person volunteer experiences. Everyone is invited to join the Open Hearts Movement.