Celebrating a lifetime of serving Mills-Peninsula
Basil Emery often boasts that the treatment people receive at Mills-Peninsula is “second to none.”
“I’ve been on both sides of the street – as an employee and also a patient. They’re like family to me,” the lifetime hospital supporter, dedicated worker, volunteer and donor said.
“The hospital has been so good to us,” said Annabelle, Basil’s wife of 67 years. “So we want to give back to them. Donations are so important. There’s so much new equipment that the hospital needs to stay up to date so it can continue to serve the community.”
The couple has donated frequently to Mills-Peninsula, and they’ve also made a legacy gift by naming the hospital in their trust.
“Making a charitable bequest in a will or living trust allows you to retain control and flexibility over your assets and help an organization that reflects your values,” says Leonard Graff, director of Gift Planning. “With a little estate planning, you can protect your loved ones, reduce estate taxes and direct your charitable bequest to the department or program dearest to your heart.”
The Emerys’ giving really started nearly 60 years ago when Basil Emery’s untiring devotion laid the groundwork for the hospital it is today.
Fresh out of serving in the Air Force in World War II, Basil Emery left his native Louisiana and settled in San Mateo with his new bride. By the early ‘50s, he was passing out fliers, busily campaigning for the building of the new Peninsula Hospital.
“I could see the need for a hospital in this area, and I just wanted to help,” he said. When the building was finished in 1954, he applied for work and was hired as a cook’s helper, a humble beginning to what would be a distinguished 30-year career.
In just six months, Basil moved up to first cook, then was promoted to chef where he was responsible for Food Services for 13 years. In 1970 Basil was transferred to the Personnel Department and in 1975 was appointed human relations counselor, a position he held until his retirement in 1984.
Throughout his career, Basil was a strong proponent of the hospital’s affirmative action program and oversaw hospital compliance for handicapped access. He was also one of the founders of the hospital’s credit union and an advisor to the Employee Advisory Committee.
Meanwhile, outside the hospital, Basil took on challenges throughout the community to meet the needs of others. He was president of the San Mateo chapter of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People, director of the March of Dimes campaign and served on the board of directors for 12 different community service organizations. Basil was also the first black member of the Burlingame Rotary Club and was honored with the noted Paul Harris Fellowship.
Now in their 80s, the couple still volunteers their time and generously supports Mills-Peninsula, the Red Cross, the San Mateo Library and other organizations. Basil still serves on the trustee board at the Pilgrim Baptist Church where the Emerys have been members for 60 years.
“Working to help others makes you feel young,” Basil said. “You can always find ways to help someone else.”
Supporters of Mills-Peninsula can make a bequest to honor a special person, department or program. For a free brochure on estate planning, or for bequest language, please call the Foundation office at 650.696.5990.
