ALEXANDRIA BAY — Although River Hospital Foundation gave its namesake hospital $150,000 toward the purchase of digital mammography equipment in 2012, it ended up not being enough to make the purchase.

Andrea C. Bates, the foundation’s executive director of development, said the quote soared to $300,000 because additional components were needed.

“We continued the campaign for digital mammography,” she said. “We wanted to do one last appeal. We’re working toward that machine because we know it will be a huge asset to have that here.”

The original quote, she said, was $150,000.

The February 2012 Polar Bear Dip, sponsored by Friends of River Hospital, raised $55,000 for the campaign and the foundation’s 2011 year-end annual appeal and fundraisers throughout 2012 collected $95,000.

So far for the 2012 year-end appeal, $30,000 has been raised. Mrs. Bates said the goal is to raise $40,000 or more this time around.

“It will continue to trickle in,” she said. “As long as gifts come in, we’ll continue with it.”

Mrs. Bates said physicians have been encouraging their patients to have digital mammographies because “it allows for more early and accurate diagnoses.”

Something else that will continue from the 2011 year-end appeal, she said, is communication with community members.

“People are getting to be more aware of services we have, and they’re beginning to realize all our hospital has to offer,” Mrs. Bates said. “People hear these things and look forward to coming here.”

She said the foundation is working on developing fundraisers and how they will benefit the hospital throughout 2013.

Contributions to the foundation’s 2012 year-end appeal may be made over the phone by calling the foundation at 482-4976. Checks or cash may be dropped off at the agency, 3 James St. Checks should be made payable to River Hospital Foundation, with “annual report” in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to the foundation at River Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 567, Alexandria Bay, N.Y. 13607.

Donations also may be made online through the foundation’s website, www.river hospitalfoundation.org.

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