A voice for the community: Emanate Health Foundation volunteer leader José G. Gutierrez
A job at Ford Motor Company in Pico Rivera by day, followed by night courses at Mt. San Antonio College, preceded José's stint in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, while working at the Hollywood Palladium as an event promoter, José saw a young and beautiful face in the crowd that had gathered to listen to a famous band. "I saw Marisela from far away," recalls José, "and I asked her to dance. After almost 45 years, we are still dancing together."
Life in West Covina
In 1974, José and Marisela moved to West Covina, creating a home for their family and developing a successful real estate and mortgage business, Village Realtors. The couple have five children and six grandchildren, ranging in age from 10 months to 23 years, all living close to home.
José's affinity toward helping others combines with his quest to be informed and influential in issues surrounding his city and state. But he never forgets his birthplace. As a 30-year member and past president of the West Covina Rotary Club, José spearheaded a partnership with the Rotary Club in Tijuana for a holiday gift program. Members of the West Covina Rotary join José and Marisela in providing truckloads of toys, food and blankets to families less fortunate south of the U.S. border. Friends who join the caravan say seeing the children's smiles tells the true meaning of charity toward others.
A friend of Emanate Health Foundation
A longtime supporter of Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital, José currently serves as a trustee on the Emanate Health Foundation Board. Elected in 2010, José served as treasurer in 2016 and 2017. José believes his responsibility is to represent the voice of the community. "Preventative medicine is the secret to a healthier society," says José, "but when our own families and communities are in need of health professionals, our hospitals should strive to provide the best care possible."
Emergency care turns personal
As Emanate Health prepares to launch a building campaign for Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital emergency services, José understands its importance. "Marisela's father, who is in his mid-80s, has been to the Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital ED at least three times," says José. "He has Alzheimer's disease, and the staff make him feel comfortable in a situation that could become awkward. We are grateful, but we realize the emergency department needs to be modernized." The Gutierrezes look forward to supporting the building campaign fundraising efforts by hosting friends and supporters to informative gatherings in their home.
"There is an old expression," says José. "'You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.' Our hospitals convey a message to our patients, visitors, volunteers, vendors and staff. Ideally, that message is one that conveys welcoming, caring, comfort and compassion. Everything about our facilities should demonstrate a commitment to patient well-being and safety, a place where stress is relieved, refuge is provided, respect is reciprocated, competence is symbolized, way-finding is facilitated and families are accommodated."
With friends like José and Marisela Gutierrez and others, the future looks bright for Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital.