The Rafer Johnson Humanitarian Award

The Rafer Johnson Humanitarian Award is presented to the person who exemplifies the qualities of Special Olympics Southern California’s founder, Rafer Johnson, including an ability to inspire others through personal performance, a proven commitment to those in need, and a high level of integrity and respect within the community.

It recognizes the person’s tireless efforts to improve and enrich lives and to reinforce the dignity and worth of all human beings.

Most importantly, it recognizes an exceptional individual who does not seek recognition but greatly deserves it.

We are pleased to announce the first recipient of this award and congratulate, Ed Arnold whose dedication to the athletes of Special Olympics Southern California along with his integrity, humor, strength and empathy have made him the perfect recipient.

Honoree: Ed Arnold

Ed Arnold is co-host and managing editor of KOCE-TV’s Emmy Award winning nightly news show, "Real Orange."

Prior to joining KOCE, he was one of the Orange County bureau chief reporters for KABC, where he served as a sports anchor.

He worked for KTLA as a sports anchor in the late 1960s and again from 1986 until he left the station in 1999. He also served as the announcer for KCET in the 1980s, and for Dr. Robert H. Schuller’s international spiritual program, "Hour of Power," along with serving on its Board from its inception in 1970 until mid-2008.

Ed is a dedicated community volunteer and is involved with a number of nonprofit organizations including the March of Dimes, Boys and Girls Clubs, the California Jaycees, Orange County Multiple Sclerosis Society, Fountain Valley Rotary Club, Southern California Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Southern California Sportscasters Association.

In 1968, he became a founding board member of the California Special Olympics (now Special Olympics Southern California) and still plays an active role in our events as we celebrate more than 40 years of changing lives.

Ed has given of his time, treasure and talent to organizations as a volunteer master of ceremonies, auctioneer, and spokesperson; donating hundreds of hours to help charities raise tens of thousands of dollars to further their missions.

In addition to Special Olympics Southern California, he has assisted The American Cancer Society, AIDS Walk, Friends of Santa Ana Zoo, CHOC, the Volunteer Center, United Way, UCI, Chapman and the list goes on and on.

Ed and his wife of 41 years, Dr. Dixie Arnold, make their home in Fountain Valley. Dixie is Chair of the Liberal Studies Department at Vanguard University. They have a son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons who also reside in Fountain Valley.

Awards

• Dixie and Ed were honored to be selected by the Cypress College Foundation as Man and Woman of the Year with the Americana Award for Orange County 2009.
• 2007 The Radio & Television News Association of Southern California’s Golden Mike Awards - Lifetime Achievement Award, given to KOCE-TV’s Ed Arnold, co-host of Orange County’s only nightly news program, Real Orange.
• Ed Arnold and Stu Nahan were named the Best Television Sports Anchor Team five times for KTLA by the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association.