Friends and donors from many corners of Loudoun County met recently at the Waterford Old School's newly restored main building to officially begin the campaign to rebuild the auditorium that was completely destroyed by fire two years ago.

The Waterford Foundation has already raised $400,000 toward the $1.6 million required for the complete restoration of all the facilities that were destroyed in the fire, and the recent event was the kick-off to raise the remaining $1.2 million required to complete the auditorium and related facilities.

The newly restored main school building is delightfully true to its origins with every modern convenience now available. New lighting and windows offer airy, bright and comfortable classroom space. All that remains is to complete is the new addition to the building that will house the auditorium.

To complete the auditorium, the Raise the Roof Capital Campaign has set an additional $1.2 million as its fund-raising goal.

It is hoped that the many artists, exhibitors, performers and citizens who have missed the Old School facilities over the past two years will join the many generous donors who have made possible the progress to date.

These donors include the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, the Cabell Foundation, the Philip L. Graham Fund, the Warren and Marylou Hayford Foundation, donors to the 2008 Special Appeal, donors to the Reserve a Seat Campaign, donors to the Bucket Brigade and generous members and supporters of the Waterford Foundation.

Enthusiasm was high at the kick-off event and Kathleen Kilpatrick, director of Virginia's Department of Historic Resources was highly complimentary of the progress to date and the plans for the auditorium. Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership President Cate Magennis Wyatt underscored how grateful the community was to Melanie Lockwood Herman who chairs the Waterford Foundation Development Committee and to Kathleen Hughes, President of the Waterford Foundation.

"They have been unstoppable in their efforts to restore this magnificent facility," she said. "We are all so grateful to them."

The Honorable Sally Kurtz, member of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors spoke powerfully about the absolute necessity of protecting the Village of Waterford's heritage.

"We all know the significance of this charming village," she said, "...and we all know that without our help, especially in times of trouble like the terrible fire, our Village will be no more."

To donate to the Raise the Roof Campaign for The Waterford Old School Restoration, please mail your contribution to Raise the Roof, The Waterford Foundation, PO Box 142, Waterford, VA 20197.