Established in 1986 by Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. and his wife Peggy, the Foundation provides funds to support charitable, religious, educational, and scientific organizations. Originally from French Camp, Mississippi, Kelly had a financially poor childhood, but it was very rich in less tangible respects.  Kelly graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in civil engineering, lived for many years in Houston, Texas, and worked in the pipeline industry for more than three decades.  In 1976 he helped establish Gregory and Cook, a pipeline industry firm in Houston.  Over the years he held many important positions in the pipeline industry and built pipelines all over the world.  In November of 1989 Kelly died.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships for students with both financial need and academic ability are currently available at Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi.  In establishing the Foundation, Kelly recognized the wisdom, need, and benefits of helping students from backgrounds similar to his.

DEBORAH ROCHELLE TEACHER GRANT PROGRAM

The Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. Charitable Foundation initiated a teacher grant program in 1991 to enhance education by funding school site personnel for instructional, research-based projects providing direct service to students.  In March of 2007, the program was named the Deborah Rochelle Teacher Grant Program to honor the person who is responsible for its origination.  Grants up to $5,000 are awarded in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and St. Tammany Parishes to teachers and professional staff.