The Future of Care is Looking Bright
Adirondack Health Foundation Board of Trustees Chair W. Scott McGraw displays the “Chandler Ralph Way” road sign that will mark the entrance to the Uihlein campus in Lake Placid to Chandler Ralph as Adirondack Health Board of Trustees Chair Jeannie Cross looks on.
Adirondack Health Foundation announces $12 million goal in support
of transformative capital improvement projects; $8.8 million raised so far
SARANAC LAKE – This year’s Adirondack Health Foundation Diamonds and Denim Gala was an occasion to reflect on the career of the Dr. Edward L. Trudeau Award recipient, Chandler Ralph, and a time to look ahead with great excitement to the Future of Care by formally announcing a $12 million campaign goal in support of two transformational capital projects at Adirondack Health.
Over 500 guests gathered under massive tents in a field on the Adirondack Loj Road with the High Peaks as a backdrop to pay tribute to Ms. Ralph whose tenure as President & CEO of Adirondack Health spanned two decades and yielded major growth and achievement for the only full service health system in the Adirondack Park.
Despite stormy skies, there was no dampening the celebratory mood as Ms. Ralph was presented the Dr. Edward L. Trudeau Award followed by an emotional standing ovation. The award honors individuals who demonstrate the qualities of courage, compassion and generosity in their service to Adirondack Health.
In addition to the award, it was announced the road entering the Uihlein campus in Lake Placid would be renamed “Chandler Ralph Way” in honor of her distinguished healthcare care. New York State Senator Betty Little and Assemblyman Dan Stec were on hand to present an official proclamation highlighting Ms. Ralph’s meritorious service.
Perhaps as testament to the legacy of Ms. Ralph’s time with Adirondack Health, the evening raised a record setting $150,000 for the Future of Care Campaign.
Adirondack Health announced last year a major capital improvement project to build a modern surgical services department in Saranac Lake and a new Health and Medical Fitness building in Lake Placid. The Future of Care fundraising campaign was established to support the $35 million capital improvement project. So far, the support for the campaign has been overwhelming, according to W. Scott McGraw, Chair of the Adirondack Health Foundation Board of Trustees.
“I am happy to report, as we begin the public phase of The Future of Care Campaign, we have reached over $8.8 million in pledges and commitments from the community thus far, and with your support, we are committed to reaching a goal of $12 million in total funding towards these projects,” McGraw said at the Gala. He also noted that all members of the Adirondack Health and Foundation Boards of Trustees have donated to the campaign, and there continues to be tremendous support from all members of the Adirondack Health family.
“Generations before us recognized the need for providing quality care in our region, and now that responsibility falls to us to continue to build on that legacy,” stated McGraw of the campaign’s next steps. “All of you can be a part of the Future of Care Campaign, and I hope you will join us with a meaningful contribution.”
While much of the evening was a celebration of Ms. Ralph’s career, there was a warm recognition for her successor, Sylvia Getman, who took over the CEO post at the end of June.
This year marked the 19th Annual Adirondack Health Foundation Gala, and the Diamonds and Denim theme provided for a bit more relaxed but still refined evening. Generous donations from local businesses and community members made for an extensive silent auction, and exceptional items such as vacation packages and sports tickets had bidders raising their arms during the live auction at dinner. The evening was capped with dancing to the high energy sounds of The Popshow Band.
To learn more about the capital projects at Adirondack Health, or to donate, visit www.futureofcarecampaign.org.
Chandler Ralph, center, is presented with the Dr. Edward L. Trudeau Award for her distinguished career as President & CEO of Adirondack Health. Presenting the award is W. Scott McGraw, Adirondack Health Foundation Board of Trustee Chair, and Jeannie Cross, Adirondack Health Board of Trustees Chair.
