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Cook Group Makes Major Financial Contribution to Monroe County Museum
Cook Group Makes Major Financial Contribution to Monroe County Museum
Published 01-19-06
Submitted by Cook Group Inc.
"From its earliest days, the Cook organization has always believed in giving back to the communities that sustain us and provide the human capital and other resources that help us thrive and succeed. We have always believed that by giving back our organization achieves its true potential, and that's why we are so pleased to make this donation," said Kem Hawkins, president of Cook Group Inc.
Since 1963, the Cook organization has been involved in the restoration and preservation of dozens of historically important structures in Bloomington and the surrounding area, including the Cochran House, Fountain Square Mall, the Showers Building, the West Baden Spring Hotel, and most recently the French Lick Springs Resort.
Gayle Cook's leadership has been instrumental in preserving the former Carnegie Library and helping its owner, the Monroe County Historical Society, grow. The Museum's permanent and temporary exhibits document the county's proud cultural and natural heritage and showcase items from its collection of over 50,000 artifacts -- documents, clothing, tools, furniture, toys, maps and photographs.
Just recently, the Museum provided many artifacts from the RCA/Thomson Electronics assembly plant for a display hosted by Cook Pharmica in the newly renovated RCA factory for former workers there.
Cook-sponsored restoration projects have revitalized depressed economic areas, added jobs and growth, and preserved some of Indiana's most treasured historic landmarks. The Cook organization has been honored at the local, state and national levels for helping draw even greater awareness to the benefits of historic preservation and how public/private partnerships can accomplish even the grandest projects.
"We believe these projects not only help us remember how our society came to be, but in preserving our past, we help set the proper course for who and what we want our communities to be now and in the future," Hawkins noted. "If this donation touches the people of Monroe County and ensures that our past accomplishments and events are passed on to future generations, I consider that one of Cook's finest investments."
"The Monroe County Historical Society, Inc. is thrilled to receive an endowment from the Cook Group, who along with Gayle Cook, have long recognized the importance of preserving our county's history through our society and museum," added Rachel Peden McCarty, MCHS president.
"It is significant that this endowment was established during our 100th year as a society and our 25th year of operating our genealogy library and museum in the former Carnegie Library, now known as the Monroe County History Center. We look forward to our next 100 years as a society, and the interest income from the Cook Endowment will allow us to better preserve our collections, improve the quality of exhibits, and expand our relationship with the community. We appreciate the leadership and countless hours of volunteer work that Gayle Cook has given our organization over the past 25 years and hope others will follow her lead by example and contribute to our success in the future."
The world's largest privately held manufacturer of medical devices with international headquarters in Bloomington, Ind., Cook(R) Group Inc. (www.cookgroup.com/) is a leading designer, manufacturer and global distributor of minimally invasive medical device technology for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The company also owns interests in biotechnology product development and manufacturing, commercial real estate development, aviation, and in the hotel and hospitality industry.
Copyright Business Wire 2006
