A Family Legacy of Humble Service
Bonnie Kasamatsu’s love story began in 1975 with a blind date. Two years later, she married Ken, who enjoyed a successful banking career (most notably as founder and chief executive officer of Pacific Commerce Bank in Little Tokyo). Bonnie was a teacher; however, she cites being a stay-at-home mom to daughters Tami and Tricia as her “best career.”
A COUPLE COMMITTED
Throughout their marriage, Bonnie and Ken emulated the importance of service. “Mom has done more volunteer work than paid work,” joked Tricia, recollecting the many hours Bonnie gave to her girls’ classrooms and sports teams.
For more than two decades, Bonnie has also volunteered in the Emergency Department and front desk at Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital. “My favorite memories are those where I feel like I made a difference for someone,” said Bonnie, recalling a female domestic abuse victim whom she sat alongside in the waiting room.
Bonnie has also served as the hospital’s auxiliary president for 10 years. During her first year, the organization pledged the largest gift in its history—a five-year commitment totaling $100,000—with additional leadership pledges. Since its inception, the auxiliary has raised nearly $1 million, a quarter of which was secured under Bonnie’s leadership. She attributes this success to the auxiliary members’ efforts through the gift shop, on-site fundraisers, and other events. “Our purpose is to help the hospital in meaningful ways.”
Given his banking experience, Ken joined Emanate Health Foundation’s Finance Committee and Board of Trustees in 2016. “He had a passion for diversity and how the hospital system could better serve the area’s growing Asian population,” noted Bonnie. Ken served the Foundation until he passed away last July.
A NEW CHAPTER
Bonnie has been elected to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, serving in the same seat number as Ken (#13). “Emanate Health has been such a big part of our parents’ lives,” said Tricia. “We are excited that Mom is stepping up to fill that seat … she has a different perspective to bring to the table.” As she steps down as auxiliary president, Bonnie is excited to “serve a bigger purpose” in this new role.
Last December, Bonnie donated the required minimum distribution from Ken’s IRA to support the hospital’s Emergency Department-ICU project. “If I spent it, it would just help me—look how many people this will help now.” Noting the tax advantages to such a gift, Bonnie describes it as “a smart way to spend your money,” and with a smile, as “something Kenny would have done.”
Tami and Tricia also find ways to give back in their own lives. “It was how we were raised,” said Tricia, a kinesiology professor who made her first gift to the Foundation in memory of her father. Tami, a middle school math teacher, encourages her students to perform five hours of service to “teach them the value of volunteering.” Both point to their parents as shining examples, to which Bonnie humbly replied, “I’m just one spark.”
To make a gift from your IRA like the Kasamatsu family, visit our gift planning website or contact Kimberly Jetton at 562.568.5700 or email foundation@emanatehealth.org.