LAKE PLACID – The Adirondack Health Foundation is less than $3 million shy of the overall $12 million goal for its Future of Care campaign.

Adirondack Health plans to build a modern surgical services department at its Saranac Lake hospital and a new Health and Medical Fitness building next to the Uihlein Living Center nursing home 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, chairman of the Adirondack Health Foundation Board of Trustees. He spoke at the Adirondack Health Foundation’s recent Diamonds and Denim Gala.

The gala, which drew more than 500 guests, was held under massive tents in a field on the Adirondack Loj Road. It paid tribute to Chandler Ralph, who recently retired after more than 20 years as Adirondack Health’s president and CEO. She received a standing ovation as she was given the Dr. Edward L. Trudeau Award, which 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 that the road entering the Uihlein campus in Lake Placid would be renamed Chandler Ralph Way in honor of Ralph’s distinguished health care career. State Sen. Betty Little and Assemblyman Dan Stec were on hand to present an official proclamation highlighting Ralph’s service.

The gala raised what hospital leaders say was a record-setting $150,000 for the Future of Care Campaign.

“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,” McGraw said. “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 Ralph’s career, there was also a warm recognition for her successor, Sylvia Getman, who took over as CEO at the end of June.

The 19th annual Adirondack Health Foundation Gala also featured an extensive silent auction made possible by generous donations from local businesses and community members and a live auction that included vacation packages and sports tickets. The Popshow Band performed for the crowd.

More information about the capital projects and the fundraising campaign is posted at www.futureofcarecampaign.org.