Thompson Health’s annual gala raised more than $300,000 this month as the Canandaigua-based health system moves forward with $21 million in capital projects and prepares for a larger hospital expansion.
The F.F. Thompson Foundation hosted its “Twilight in the Trees” gala Sept. 3 at Hotel Canandaigua, drawing about 300 people. The money will support six projects ranging from expanded memory care and maternity services to new imaging equipment and additional medical locations.
The projects include a 12-apartment memory care addition at Clark Meadows in Canandaigua, a recently installed MRI machine at F.F. Thompson Hospital and a new fluoroscopy suite in the hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department.
Thompson is also planning an expansion of The Birthing Center and a new primary and urgent care location in Honeoye Falls, which is expected to open in 2027. A second MRI suite is scheduled to open in 2028.
“Together, these essential investments will strengthen our healthcare system while laying the groundwork for future hospital expansion,” F.F. Thompson Foundation Director Heather Rickett said.
“These are not optional upgrades,” Rickett added. “They are essential investments in the health of our community.”
Although Thompson Health is affiliated with University of Rochester Medicine, the nonprofit health system is responsible for raising its own money and carrying its own debt.
The six projects are also a precursor to a more significant expansion of F.F. Thompson Hospital. Once the current work is completed, Thompson plans to pursue a new hospital wing that would add private inpatient rooms.
Thompson Health President and CEO Michael F. Stapleton Jr. said increasing demand is driving the need for more hospital capacity.
“We are so fortunate to have the community we have, and the trust from our community, which means more and more people are coming to us for their health care,” Stapleton said in a video shown during the gala. “We’re boarding patients in our Emergency Department every day, and we need more beds.”
Genesee Construction served as presenting sponsor for the gala. Doug Emblidge was the emcee, while Dave Turner and The Rolling Heads provided live music.
Rickett credited sponsors, volunteers and attendees with helping the foundation raise more than $300,000 toward the projects.
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