LOWVILLE — More than $8,000 was raised last week at Lewis County General Hospital's first annual breast cancer awareness dinner.

"This money will be used to pay for expenses that face cancer victims that are not usually covered by insurance," Eric R. Burch, chief executive officer of the county-owned hospital, said in a release. "Expenses such as travel expenses, room, board, food, fuel and other items when they travel for treatment."

The money came from businesses and individual donors.

More than 230 people attended the inaugural event, which featured local breast cancer survivor Joanne Dicob, keynote speaker Jodette Roberts from GE Technology and Syracuse comedienne Yvonne Conte.

"In 2007, we attended the October event at Fort Drum," Mr. Burch said. "Right after that, I suggested to the staff that we create our own event for 2008. We formed a team, and Tuesday night showed the talent and innovativeness along with the sincere dedication that drove the team."

State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, and Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur, attended the event, held at the Lowville Elks Lodge.