About The Foundation


Mission Statement

To perpetuate the memory and spirit of Richard L. Cotter by creating a fund for the benefit of employees and former employees of the Waters Corporation, their spouses and their issue to be distributed, as determined by the Board of Directors to the employees, former employees, and their families in the event of economic hardship, distress, or other events that would cause severe financial strain upon them.

Background
Richard (Dick) Cotter was an inspiration to many Waters employees that had the privilege to know him and work with him. Before Dick lost his courageous battle with cancer in 2002, he had been working at Waters for more than 30 years and was always there for co-workers, colleagues, friends, and family not only here in the United States but around the world. It is in memory of his commitment to helping others that was the inspiration for the formation of The Dick Cotter Foundation.

The Dick Cotter Foundation was incorporated on May 29, 2003 to accept hold, invest, reinvest and administer any gifts, bequests, devises, and benefits of trust to the mission of The Foundation.

Board of Directors
The Dick Cotter Foundation is an independent section 501(C)(3) charitable organization which is not affiliated with Waters Corporation. The Board of Directors consists of current and former, long service employees of Waters Corporation as well as Dick’s wife Diane Cotter, his son Michael and daughter Colleen Annantuonio.

The Board of Directors also includes some long time former employees including Richard Brooks, Ernie Hillier and Mark Andrews.

Fund Raising
Our main fund-raisers are annual golf events, one in the summer and one in the fall. Many current and former employees participate in these golf events as do many vendors and suppliers to Waters Corporation. All proceeds are donated directly to The Dick Cotter Foundation.

Charitable Activities
To date the Dick Cotter Foundation has donated over $1,000,000 to help Waters employees and their families in times of financial and emotional duress. Some examples of how The Dick Cotter Foundation has helped include medical emergencies, assisted living costs, funeral costs, mortgage payments, and handicapped vehicle accessories.