Fallbrook's angel, Arlyne Ingold, turns 90!

How do you honor a person who has honored an entire town?

As I was interviewing for this story I found that most people felt that words alone could not express the gratitude they felt for the work that had been accomplished because of Arlyne Ingold’s generosity.

Mrs. Ingold has carried on the philanthropic tradition begun by her husband, Robert (Bob), who passed away in 2001.

Arlyne was born to Sebastian and Mary Ann Walz on December 27, 1917, in Carroll, IA, but moved with her family to Los Angeles at the age of three.

Because she came from a family of twelve children and her father made a rather meager living as a bricklayer, there wasn’t much money to go around.

“My mother was in the middle of the twelve and she wore hand-me-downs,” explained Arlyne’s daughter, Renee Ingold.

Arlyne began work at age twelve when she was employed at a factory in Los Angeles. “She has been a hard worker all her life,” Renee noted.

Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles was where Arlyne met her future husband Bob. She was only eighteen years of age when they married.

For many years Bob and Arlyne lived in Orange County, where Bob was in the investment business.

About forty-seven years ago the Ingolds decided that Orange County was getting too crowded, and to their delight they found Fallbrook. The family, which by then was comprised of Bob, Arlyne and four children, moved south.

Before his death, Bob, with Arlyne at his side, presented many philanthropic gifts to the community of Fallbrook.

Because Arlyne and Bob were interested in bringing works of art to Fallbrook, the couple donated a bronze sculpture of three children, entitled “The Facts of Life” created by Glenna Goodacre. The life-sized statue was placed near Wells Fargo Bank on Main.

After her husband’s death, Arlyne was quick to put on the philanthropic mantle and continue the family’s important community work.

The youth of the Fallbrook area have benefited tremendously from the generosity of the Ingold family.

Ingold Sports Park – the name says it all. Indoor and outdoor soccer fields are available, as is a lighted baseball diamond. Each week hundreds of youth are involved in constructive activities because of the availability of this fine neighborhood park.

“Mrs. Ingold rocks!” said Lisa Ware, director of operations for the Boys & Girls Club of North County. “Her generosity has had a direct impact on thousands of children in this community and she’s a blast to have around. The staff and members love when she comes to visit.”

Arlyne saved the day for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show when she underwrote the entire cost of the display. The sky above the Grand Tradition sparkled with color and was not only visible from that site but was high enough in the sky that it could be enjoyed by others in Fallbrook.

A founding member and the first president of Fallbrook’s Angel Society, Arlyne has always had a heart for the less fortunate of Fallbrook.

Many people speak of her bright and cheerful spirit, and Arlyne even likes bright colors, especially gold, according to daughter Renee. Arlyne also loves to travel, especially to Hawaii.

Renee related a touching story that happened on a recent Hawaiian vacation. She told how her mother, being very frugal, likes to eat breakfast at the Denny’s restaurant near their hotel instead of paying the high hotel restaurant prices.

While in line to pay her bill at Denny’s, Arlyne noticed a young couple counting pennies in order to pay for their meal. Arlyne was struck by the scenario and paid the couple’s bill anonymously.

“She’s always helping people,” said Renee.

Renee also commented that Arlyne paid to send their Mexican maid’s son to Stanford University.

She also mentioned that her mother is fun-loving, as was evident during the Rita Coolidge concert at Pala Casino, which benefited the Bonsall Boys & Girls Club.

Before the concert Arlyne and about six other community leaders decked out in white feather boas got up to sing on stage. Illuminated by the floodlights, Arlyne tossed her feathers around like a pro!

A few years back I spotted Arlyne in line for flu shots. She didn’t use her influence or community status to go to the head of the line but stood in the cold drizzle like the rest of the group.

When they ran out of flu shots before the majority of the group, including Arlyne, could be given one, she quietly got in her vehicle and drove off.

Otis Heald, a family friend, had this to say about her: “She is a very fine lady. She and her husband have done a lot for Fallbrook and have been a strong influence on youth.”

For fifteen years Sam Logan has been friends with Arlyne. “She’s the sweetest, most generous person I know,” he commented.

Sam’s Fallbrook grocery store, Major Market, has a window decorated this month in honor of Arlyne’s 90th birthday.

“We love her and are glad to know her,” said Ann Logan. “Whenever you need anything she is always available, especially for children. Arlyne appreciates hard work and loves to associate herself with hard workers. She’s our wonderful, wonderful angel!”

“Mrs. Ingold has been a steadfast supporter of our organization for over 15 years,” said Abe Oliveras, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of North County. “She is a special kind of lady with a huge heart for young people. Without the Ingold Family support our club would be hard-pressed to do the things we are able to do for our members. We deeply appreciate her love of our organization and the love she shows for our members.”

The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce has also benefited from Arlyne’s generosity. Ruthie Harris, former Fallbrook Honorary Mayor, said, “She sponsors so many events. Just about anything we do she will sponsor.”

Arlyne served as Grand Marshal of the Fallbrook Christmas Parade one year and during this year’s parade she rode on the wagon pulled by the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

“She was so excited about riding on that wagon,” Renee commented.

In 1996 the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Community Builder Award was renamed the Ingold Community Builder Award to honor the family. In 2005 Arlyne was named the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Leonard said, “Fallbrook and all of us who reside here are a far better community because of Arlyne. She has taught us how to be giving.”

Jane Johnson of the Bonsall Woman’s Club said that Arlyne is “very considerate, unassuming, loving and extremely kind.”

Arlyne is a Title Sponsor of the club’s Magic of Christmas event each year and was honored this year with the gift of a tiara for her many years of contributions to the club.

“She wore it the rest of the day,” said Johnson. “She was very grateful.”

“She has such a zest for life. She’s a treasure to this community.”

A poem in honor of Arlyne Ingold

By Elizabeth Johnson

Bonsall Woman’s Club

(Read at the 2007 Magic of Christmas tea)

Here’s to a lady, both special and grand,

Who reaches to others who stretch out a hand

Asking help to survive – and to please give them hope

So their world isn’t cruel, and so they can cope.

Here’s to a lady (we set you apart),

You are sweet, you are charming, with such a big heart

Arlyne Ingold, we salute you and all want to say,

“Many thanks from the needy and God bless you this day.”