Music is not only a background, but the catalyst for many of life’s great moments. This is true for Lisa and Ben Arnold. “Ben sealed the deal,” Lisa explained, “by playing Wonderful Tonight on guitar and singing to me.” While Ben insists that the singing left much to be desired, it was enough to solidify their relationship which they have dedicated to building better communities since 2001, embodying the spirit of philanthropy through their commitment to the arts, healthcare, and education.
Lisa and Ben’s commitment to “Tikkun olam,” or repairing the world, drives them to serve on various civic boards, bringing positive change and improvements to the community for all San Diegans. Lisa articulates their vision succinctly – “We feel that investing in the San Diego Symphony is investing in the quality of life for our San Diego community.”
Their love for music and the arts brought the Arnolds to the San Diego Symphony, where they became enthusiastic supporters of the renovation efforts at Jacobs Music Center. “We have attended many concerts at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park™, and when we learned about Jacobs Music Center, we were excited at the prospect of the revitalization of a building originally built in 1929,” Lisa and Ben noted. They recognized the importance of these venues in providing a rich cultural experience for the community and wanted to play a part in their preservation and enhancement.
The Arnolds’ commitment reflects their personal passion for music, and appreciation for what the San Diego Symphony offers the community outside its doors. Lisa, who serves as Chair of Sharp Healthcare Foundation, appreciates the healing power of music. She notes, “At Sharp, we have the Arts for Healing Program,” which the Symphony is actively involved in. “The value of music has been medically proven to aid in healing people and helping them to relax.” This connection between music and well-being resonates deeply with the Arnolds, leading them to advocate for the Symphony’s outreach efforts that provide opportunities for students and community members to experience the arts. "I love that you provide that opportunity to enrich people's lives,” Lisa said, underscoring her belief in music’s transformative power.
In addition to cultural and artistic value, Ben spoke to the economic impact of the Symphony. “As a commercial mixed-use developer, I can also appreciate the value of The Rady Shell as well as the renovated Jacobs Music Center pertaining to the economic development and quality of life for San Diego. As far as music venues, they are the best value proposition in San Diego.”
Living in La Jolla, the Arnolds experience the unique quality of life that San Diego offers, and they are passionate about ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this vibrant community. “We want to make sure that The Rady Shell, Jacobs Music Center, and the San Diego Symphony are there for our kids to appreciate,” said Ben. Through their philanthropic efforts, the Arnolds continue to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of San Diego.
Support the San Diego Symphony today! For more information or to make your own donation, please visit: https://purchasing.sandiegosymphony.org/donate/contribute1?ct=2. Or email gifts@sandiegosymphony.org.
