Ernie Dunston is an active community volunteer, with a strong interest in programs designed to assist youth and promote economic development in the African-American community. He is a charter member and Immediate Past President of the Board of The Breakfast Group. He is also a long-serving Board member for the local Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as being a recipient of Boys Clubs of America “Man and Boy Award” – the highest honor awarded by that organization. 

Early in his professional career, Ernie was selected as one of the “Forty Newsmakers of Tomorrow” by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Recent awards include: 1) Distinguished Alumni of Seattle University; 2) Charles Odegaard Award for Community Service from the University of Washington; 3) The Nordstrom Community Service Award; 4) Spingarn (D.C) High School Hall of Honor.