Gigi Cook volunteers for the Shawano Lake Lioness.
She was born in Milwaukee, graduating from Wauwatosa High School. Cook was employed at DCI Marketing and Ad Tape and Label Company.
“I lived there all my life until we moved up here,” Cook said. “I just wanted to be in a small town. My family had a cottage on Shawano Lake and we came here every summer. I really like it here.”
Cook worked part time for the village of Bonduel and at the Clintonville Water Department. She has been retired for five years.
Cook and her husband of 38 years, Robert, a retired truck driver, live in Shawano with their dog, Lucky. A few years ago, Cook had esophageal cancer and is now cancer free. She likes to sew, knit, crochet and quilt, and is a member of two Red Hat groups. Robert and Gigi are NASCAR fans.
Q How did you get involved with the Shawano Lake Lioness?
A “A friend of was in the group and they had a wine and cheese tasting. She invited me to that and I really like the things they do for the community and I decided to join.”
Q What do you do as a member?
A “This year, I just got elected treasurer. I was on the board of directors. A lot of my background is in the accounting field. I also felt it was time for a change. I’m the co-chairman of the rummage sale and chairman of the craft fair in November. I also do handouts at Packer games. We split the money with the Shawano County Humane Society.”
Q Where does the money go that you make?
A “It goes for scholarships. We make donations to charities and making backpacks for needy children. We also make 40 quilts a year for the four nursing homes in Shawano. We donate to Leader Dogs, SAFPARC and Safe Haven.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “After I retired, I worked for a while when we first moved up here. Then I decided I wanted to retire retired, but not stay at home, so I decided to volunteer.”
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