A Heart Full of Love: Foundation celebrates board member’s 40 years of service and support

Posted: Thursday, May 30, 2024

Rich and Gayle Jett became friends around the time he began serving on Emanate Health Foundation's Board of Trustees in the early 1980s. Four decades later, as Rich steps down from the board, he is grateful for so much—his loving wife, his community, and Emanate Health Inter-Community Hospital.

The couple met at Christ Lutheran Church, where Gayle was the secretary and Rich's late parents, Artie and Evelyn, volunteered. Rich had founded Empire Bank and wanted to open a Covina branch, so he offered Gayle a job-the couple has been married for 23 years. "Without Gayle, I wouldn't be where I am today," Rich said.

AN EXAMPLE OF SERVICE

At age 10, Rich worked in one of his father's West Covina grocery stores—Artie later entered the real estate profession. "They were good people," Rich said of his parents, describing how their example of civic and community commitment during their 53-year marriage impacted him. "I learned from everything they did, and what I have in life came from them." Artie served on West Covina's City Council, Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce; Evelyn's volunteer activities included Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital and the PTA.

After high school, Rich served in the U.S. Army and National Guard. He retired from the armed services as a captain, after which he began his successful career in banking, starting at United California Bank. Rich then focused on independent banking at Citrus State Bank in Covina, after which he organized and established Empire Bank (which later became California State Bank). At his retirement, Rich was serving as executive vice president with First Security Bank of California (the successor to California State Bank). He also served on the board of the California Bankers Association for many years and was a former president of the Community Bankers Association of Southern California.

MY HOSPITAL, MY HOME

Though Rich has been a patient in all three Emanate Health hospitals, he considers Inter-Community Hospital his home. "It's the place I have gone for most of my health concerns," shared Rich. "I just love that hospital." Over his many years of affiliation, he associates many wonderful memories there—from the birth of his son Richi to groundbreaking events for new facilities. With a chuckle, Rich said, "I could tell you lots of stories!"

When reflecting on all that Rich has witnessed within the organization over 40 years, he describes Emanate Health's transformation as "unbelievable." He served as a past Foundation board chair and on countless committees including finance, strategic planning, and events. Additionally, he volunteered at Emanate Health Hospice, where both of his parents spent their final days. In 1999, Rich was recognized with the Laband Award, recognizing those who have demonstrated a commitment to Citrus Valley Medical Center (now Emanate Health). During the award presentation, it was written about Rich: "It would be hard to find someone who hasn't been touched in some way by Rich's generosity and spirit of volunteerism."

Throughout their marriage, Gayle has supported Rich and his commitment to service, which has also included Covina's Chamber of Commerce, Host Lions, and Rotary Club. Alongside her husband, she attended a tour of the Emanate Health Cancer Center last summer and was impressed to see the health system's latest addition. "All of Emanate Health's progression has been amazing... I am glad to know this new facility is available for our community," said Gayle. In addition to Rich's gifts of time and talent, he and Gayle also have been generous leadership donors to the Foundation. While their contributions have supported numerous areas of Emanate Health, their most significant gift was made to the Queen of the Valley Hospital's new Emergency Department-ICU as part of the Foundation's $25 million fundraising campaign. As a member of the Foundation's legacy society, Rich noted, "All of the hospitals have been important to me and my community. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow."