Press Releases

May 8, 2006
Otto Graham Gymnasium Project on the Move

The Otto Graham Gymnasium and Activity Center is a long standing dream of Waterford Country School. The recreational facility is quickly taking shape with the recent establishment of an Advisory Group to help guide the funding associated with the project. The Advisory Group is working with WCS to secure the nearly 3 million dollars that is needed to construct this state of the art facility.

The Advisory Group is led by Graham family members: Beverly, wife of Otto, and their children Duey and Sandra. In addition, close family friends Mary Brown (wife of the late Paul Brown, Founder of the Cleveland Browns) and Don Shula (Former NFL Coach of the Miami Dolphins) have joined the effort. Hard Rock Corporation CEO/President Hamish Dodds and Bob Ferrara, President of JayPro Sports, Inc have also lent support. Local members include: Thomas T. Wetmore, III, Beth Camassar and Ted Olynciw.

The Otto Graham Gymnasium and Activity Center is a 13,300 square foot facility containing a full size basketball court, exercise physical education classroom, offices, bathrooms, shower facilities, equipment storage and large community room. “We have been making due with a recreation facility which is a converted dairy barn.The new gymnasium activity center will be a hub of campus activities from morning to night, seven days a week, being shared by the School’s physical/health education and recreation programs, as well as the community”, said David Moorehead, Executive Director of Waterford Country School.

The Hard Rock Café Ambassadors’ group has taken an interest in the gym project and has pledged their support. Last year they organized a bike tour along the east coast. The tour stopped at eleven Hard Rock Cafés along the way. This year the tour will travel across the country in an effort to raise money for the new gym. In addition, the Foxwoods café hosts many special events, raffles and product sales to raise money for Waterford Country School. It is a partnership that has existed since 2004.

Since 1922 Waterford Country School has provided a broad range of programs and services dedicated to the special needs of children and families at risk throughout Connecticut. WCS is committed to providing a safe environment for children in crisis, and to support families with the resources, skills, and tools, they need to create and maintain a healthy, secure and self sufficient home environment. Waterford Country School is licensed and approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families and the Connecticut Department of Education, and also is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services.