As word spreads about Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s efforts to raise $8 million to help finance a major expansion, the campaign is topping the $6 million mark.

Kathy Clausing, chief development officer for the hospital, said Friday that the campaign total stood at $6.1 million.

“The enthusiasm is building as we approach the end of the year,” Clausing said. “People are starting to hear about contributions that their friends have made.”

The hospital had one of its larger chances of the year Friday to talk about the nearly $40 million expansion that will include a new emergency room, additional birthing rooms, an improved intensive care unit and new surgery suites. The LMH Endowment Assn. hosted the 25th annual Penny Jones Golf Tournament at Alvamar Golf and Country Club. With 300 golfers, the event generally is regarded as the largest golf tournament in Lawrence.

“In addition to the golfers, we have 100 volunteers out here helping with the event,” said Scot Buxton, who served as the tournament’s co-chair. “It is really a great testament to how the community supports the hospital.”

Tom Groene, a former LMH board member, helped start the golf tournament 25 years ago, and has volunteered at it ever since. Groene said this year’s event is special not only because of its silver anniversary but also because of the growth plans under way at LMH.

Golfers, from left, Kelvin Heck, Charlie Becker and Ron Miller help line up a putt for James Hicks on hole 11 at Alvamar Golf and Country Club. The four Lawrence men were participating Friday in Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Assn.'s Penny Jones Golf Tournament.

The expansion, which also will convert all of the hospital’s semiprivate rooms into private rooms, is expected to help LMH compete with growing hospitals in the Kansas City metro area.

“I really think it is essential for a community to have a good health care provider,” Groene said. “I really can’t think of any service that is more important for a community to have.”

Clausing said 288 individuals have given to the campaign, in addition to approximately 700 LMH employees. Donors are allowed to make their pledge payable over a five-year period.

“It doesn’t have to be a $10,000 gift to make a difference,” Clausing said. “What we’re trying to do now is get as many donors as we possibly can.”

Construction on the first phase of the expansion is expected to begin this fall. The entire expansion likely will take two to three years to complete.