Emmett and Linda Carter
In May of 1964, Emmett Carter had no idea that staying on campus for Oklahoma 4-H Roundup would change the course of his life.
As he stepped into the state 4-H office, a single moment stopped him in his tracks — standing before him was Linda Mittlestet.
“It was love at first sight,” Emmett Carter said. “I knew from that moment on I wanted to get to know her better.”
What began as a chance encounter quickly turned into a journey shaped by shared experiences in 4-H, a European adventure and a lifetime of giving back to the organization that brought them together.
Before ever meeting, both Emmett and Linda had ties to 4-H. Emmett participated in the Washington High School 4-H Club in public speaking competitions, as well as managing sheep and dairy projects.
Linda was involved in Alfalfa County 4-H for nine years. She had opportunities to go on trips and received several medals for her achievements. One of the greatest honors was being a National 4-H winner in public speaking while attending the National 4-H Congress in Chicago.
Emmett saw the 4-H People-To-People European Goodwill Tour as the perfect opportunity to get to know Linda. While preparing for the trip, Emmett made a special visit to the Oklahoma State University Student Union to buy a FarmHouse Fraternity drop necklace for her.
The time spent together on this trip allowed their connection to grow. Emmett and Linda shared their first kiss on the seashore in Copenhagen and she accepted the necklace in Frankfort, Germany.
On Dec. 2, 1967, after both graduating from OSU, Linda and Emmett got married. They went on to grow their family and stay connected to 4-H.
Their daughter, Andrea, was heavily involved in 4-H activities. Emmett credited Andrea’s involvement to Linda. Andrea participated in dress revue as well as being a national citizenship winner. She also spent time working as an intern in the National 4-H Center in Washington, D.C.
Their son, Jarrett, has always been hardworking and is a successful Realtor with ERA Real Estate in Edmond, Oklahoma.
“Linda was all about having grandkids,” Emmett said.
They both have enjoyed various activities, trips and going to Grandparents University at OSU every year. Linda has put together scrapbooks with pictures from every trip.
The way 4-H shaped their lives, and the life of their daughter has fueled both Emmett and Linda’s passion for giving back to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.
Gratitude for the experiences and relationships, including their own, are a reason they believe giving back financially is so beneficial. Supporting 4-H ensures future generations have similar opportunities. Emmett described Linda and himself as very fortunate and lucky for the life they have. They credit their success to the commitment, relentless work ethic and other skills they learned in 4-H.
Emmett believes, “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity,” a quote from the Roman philosopher Seneca. By donating unrestricted, charitable gifts to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, he and Linda have helped prepare youth for when they meet their opportunities.
“Because we believe that teams with experience on the front line of challenges will know best how to put the money to good use, we encouraged them to spend it however they choose. Unrestricted funding is rooted in the belief that the nonprofit the work is the wisest judge how their funds should be spent.”
MacKenzie Scott
Philanthropist
Unrestricted philanthropic gifts to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation play a pivotal role each year in serving Oklahoma 4-H. These unrestricted gifts can then be directed by the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation’s leadership to support specific 4-H youth development programs, business operations and other high priorities of 4-H.
