PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson Healthcare hospital is expected to buy 3-D mammography equipment the first quarter of next year after a fundraiser this month surpassed its goal.
The Jefferson Healthcare Foundation’s first major fundraiser, Evening of Hope at Fort Worden Commons on Sept. 13, raised more than $70,000.
The event’s goal was $50,000.
The fundraiser was so successful that David Marriott, master of ceremonies, announced at the end of the evening that the money from the event, combined with a commitment of private foundation funds, meant the hospital could purchase the new equipment by March.
About 250 people attended the Evening of Hope, which included a limited auction and raffle and a five-course meal prepared by Arran Stark, the hospital’s executive chef.
The meal was paired with wines from Lullaby Winery in Port Townsend and Camaraderie Cellars in Port Angeles.
Tickets were $125 each.
Twenty businesses acted as sponsors, with Swedish Medical Center of Seattle the presenting sponsor.
The Jefferson County 2014 Community Health Needs Assessment found that cancer was the primary cause of more than 1 in 4 Jefferson County deaths.
The most frequent new cancers among residents are prostate cancer, followed by breast cancer.
The 3-D mammography systems provide more information than the digital 2-D images, allowing radiologists to scan through tissue layers to see underlying masses, and increases early detection of cancer, according to Tiffany Lambert, women’s imaging supervisor for Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles.
OMC purchased three Hologic 3-D mammography tomosynthesis machines in December for $1.4 million to provide diagnostic mammography and screenings in Port Angeles and Sequim.
Those interested in learning more about Jefferson Healthcare’s plans can contact Kate Burke, foundation coordinator, at 360-385-2200, ext. 2014, or kburke@jeffersonhealthcare.org.
For more information about the hospital, visit www.jeffersonhealthcare.org.