THE CROWD:

The sixth annual Orange County Special Olympics “Olympians on Parade” welcomed close to 500 guests at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa. They came to honor Betty Belden Palmer, who died earlier this year following a courageous battle with cancer. Co-chaired by Joann Waldron and Alison Norris, the emotional evening netted $300,000 to support the athletes sponsored by the Orange County arm of Special Olympics Southern California.

“It all started because of you,” began the tribute to the late Belden Palmer. In 2001, Betty attended the World Winter Games in Alaska and came away realizing Special Olympics was under-serving those with disabilities in Orange County.

A former physical education teacher and athlete herself, Betty found that it was her calling in mid-life to do something to help others unable to help themselves. Her athletic background prompted her to show how reaching a goal through sports and competition would enhance the lives of young people facing physical and intellectual challenges.

Always believing positive role models were important in life, especially to inspire the young, Betty enlisted close friends to help her create an event that would attract famous professional and Olympic athletes in support of Special Olympics.

Since its inception only a handful of years ago, Betty and her hardworking crew raised more than $1 million for Special Olympics Orange County, and this night was all about her amazing grace and formidable accomplishments.

Organizers even created an award that they are calling the “Betty Award,” which will be bestowed annually to one Special Olympian in the community who has participated for at least two years at a minimum of two sports and embodies the spirit of Special Olympics, which most importantly includes a positive attitude and outlook, dependability and good sportsmanship. It is a fitting tribute to a woman who lived her faith-based values each and every day, right up until the end, leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come.

The evening was emceed by the dedicated Ed Arnold, TV personality and community activist. Tributes were delivered by Bill Shumard, president and chief executive of Special Olympics Southern California.

Also on hand were Gerald Heim, Dustin Plunkett, Randy Gordon and special guest Rafer Johnson, who serves as chairman of the board of governors for Special Olympics Southern California.

The traditional highlight of the party is the opening ceremony welcome, which was followed by a “Parade of Champions” led by Johnson that included former Angels baseball star Jim Abbott, Olympic Silver Medalist in rowing Ed Ives, two-time Olympic water polo Silver Medalist Joe Vargas, Olympic track speed-skating champ Rusty Smith, volleyball and football standout Chris Lewis, water polo Olympian Robert Gaughran, and college and pro football coach Mike White.

Special Olympians joining the pro athletes in the parade were Sara Thiel, Erin Van Dalsum, Jennifer Bortman, Cory Bowers, Joseph Gorin, Tara Arroyos, Willie Pestolessi, Tony Briones, Greg Koziowski, Quincy Brown, Russell Martin, Stephanie Rhone, Adam Hogan, Daniel Romero and Angel Romero.

Special Olympics athlete and singer Jay White entertained the crowd along with the Cal State Fullerton Calypso Steel Band. Belden Palmer’s son Paul Belden and daughter Cindy Jensen were on hand to present the first “Betty Award” going to Pete Waldron, a young man who inspired Betty to get involved in the beginning.

Mary and Walter Frome of Newport Beach, Dana Ridenour, Richard and Lauren Morrarty, Bob and Jan Wilhelm, Fred Stefany and Samier Mody were all front and center for Betty Belden Palmer and Orange County Special Olympics.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.