National Philanthropy Day 2009 is proud to honor Ed Arnold with the Special Judges Spirit of Community Award. Ed is the first person to ever be so honored by NPD in Orange County. Ed has cheerfully extended his personality and high profile to further the missions of countless philanthropic groups in Orange County and Southern California. A 55-year broadcast veteran of radio, television sports and news, and most currently co-host and managing editor of KOCE TV’s Real Orange, Ed is integral to the fabric of the local non-profit and social venues. Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised through Arnold’s generous giving of time as a volunteer master of ceremonies, auctioneer, and spokesman. He consistently provides the talent and cache of a true professional, always making the event, and not himself, the primary focus. He is a 41-year volunteer for the Special Olympics and helped found the Southern California Chapter in 1968. He is also a 45-year volunteer for his local Boys and Girls Clubs and chairman of the Huntington Beach-Fountain Valley club’s largest annual fundraiser. As a child, Ed went door-to-door collecting dimes for the March of Dimes. He recently retired from the March of Dimes board of directors after serving for 35 years. He has held leadership roles with California Jaycees, the Orange County Salvation Army, Orange County Multiple Sclerosis Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Rotary Club, and Crystal Cathedral.
Ed Arnold has positively shaped Orange County history by making his voice, warm style, and physical presence a smooth and trusted path to philanthropy. Orange County is deeply grateful to Ed for his selfless giving and service to so many.