POTSDAM — The Canton-Potsdam Hospital Foundation’s “Constructing Healthier Communities” campaign officially ended on Sept. 1 with a total of more than $3 million pledged or paid.

Dozens of Foundation supporters were on the hospital’s main campus this week to celebrate the most successful fundraising effort in the hospital’s 85 year history.

The campaign was launched in 2011 to raise funds for three different projects: acquisition and renovation of the former St. Mary’s school in Potsdam, an addition to the E.J. Noble Building in Canton, and construction of a new comprehensive Center for Cancer Care on the Hospital’s main campus.

The campaign was conducted by a group of dedicated volunteers led by Honorary Co-Chairs Peter and Becky VandeWater, Campaign Chair Jacquelyn Kuno, Potsdam Chair Donald Dangremond, and Canton Chair Judy Chittenden. All told, nearly two dozen community members and several members of the CPH Medical Staff volunteered with the campaign, in addition to the members of the Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

Contributors, volunteers, and hospital staff joined together Wednesday for a celebratory reception, tours of the Center for Cancer Care, and a dedication of the new Healing Garden. Speakers included Foundation Board Chair Penelope Rattan, Campaign Chair Jacquelyn Kuno, and Hospital President and CEO David B. Acker. A blessing was provided by Spiritual Care Committee Member Margaret Theodore.

“It’s evident that across our communities, individuals, businesses, our four local universities, and our elected officials in Albany all understood the significance of our projects,” Mr. Acker noted “Reaching this goal was truly a group effort – with the community contributing more than $2.1 million, and grants from New York State totaling more than $875,000.”

The grants received included legislative appropriations from Senator Joe Griffo and former Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine, as well as an Office of Rural Health grant. Two of the grants were for the expansion at E.J. Noble in Canton, with two more for the work on the main hospital campus.

“It has been our privilege to serve Canton, Potsdam, and surrounding communities for more than 85 years,” Mr. Acker said. “These projects provide much-needed facilities for us to carry out our mission for decades to come. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped up so significantly in support of our growth.”

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