Our Team

Founder, Executive Director-Rochelle Gamauf

Rochelle Gamauf, a long-time resident of Waukesha for over 27 years, is the dedicated founder and Executive Director of Friends with Food, a community-focused nonprofit providing essential groceries and supplies to families in need. Before launching Friends with Food, Rochelle built an impressive career as a Real Estate Broker and entrepreneur, successfully starting and managing several businesses from the ground up.

In March of 2020, as the world faced unprecedented challenges, Rochelle’s passion for serving others became more evident than ever. In the first week of the pandemic, she personally made and delivered homemade spaghetti to 10 local families, marking the beginning of what would become Friends with Food. Her compassion and commitment to making a difference in her community have been the driving forces behind the organization’s mission of providing non-judgmental support to those in need.

Rochelle is known for her ability to inspire others to reach their full potential. In 2020, she was honored as the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors’ Realtor of the Year for her contributions to the community. Additionally, in February 2022, she shared her story of resilience and achievement as a speaker at the Women’s Strong Conference, inspiring countless others with her journey.

Rochelle has been married for 26 years to her husband Jim, who also serves on the board of Friends with Food. Together, they have three adult children who frequently lend a hand at the pantry. Their two dogs, Henry and Chad, keep Rochelle and Jim active and on their toes. In her free time, Rochelle enjoys exploring new places, taking nature walks, and engaging in outdoor activities that refresh her spirit and inspire her continued work in the community.

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Volunteer Coordinator –Bobbi Jo

Bobi Jo joined the Friends with Food volunteer team in the fall of 2022 and has quickly become an integral part of the organization. Growing up in the West Allis/New Berlin area, Bobi Jo attended high school with Rochelle, and their connection has stayed strong over the years. While Bobi Jo spent 17 years living out west, she remained inspired by Rochelle’s work with Friends with Food, following the organization’s progress through social media. Upon returning to Wisconsin in 2022, she eagerly reached out to Rochelle, excited to contribute to the mission of Friends with Food. Since joining the team, Bobi Jo has brought her energy and passion to various roles, including assisting at the Check-In desk, supporting event planning and program committees, and lending a helping hand wherever needed in the pantry. Her commitment to the cause and willingness to jump in wherever she’s needed have made her a valued volunteer.

Bobi Jo and her husband have three grown children, with their youngest recently graduating from high school. Their home is full of love, shared with three sweet dogs and a charismatic cat. Outside of her busy career in Human Resources, Bobi Jo enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and fur babies. In her downtime, you’ll often find her unwinding with DIY shows and embracing the joys of home life.

Pantry Shift Lead –Jamie Hardt

Our Purpose

Dedicated to Feeding the Future

Our purpose is to respond the needs in our community by providing food and supplies during a time of need.