BRIDGTON — Throughout the month of October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Bridgton Hospital Radiology Department promoted their third annual Bras Across Bridgton Hospital, their yearly effort to raise awareness of breast cancer by collecting bras to distribute to needy women across the state, country and world.

“We collected 345 bras with the help of Bridgton Hospital and the Bridgton Hospital Physician Group offices. We also received community help from numerous people including the Magic Lantern, Jessica DeLeon, York Hospital, Deborah Ripley, Beth’s Cafe and Crystal Lake Spa,” according to organizer Alissa Noble, radiology supervisor. “Some people found out about our effort through friends of friends on Facebook or read about us in the local newspapers.”

The group surpassed the original goal of 300.

“It was great to see the community involvement this year and one of the best parts has been reading the ‘tags’ that donors filled out when dropping off the bras – very touching words honoring people with cancer,” Noble said.

The bras were to be sent to the following organizations: Support1000 in Chicago; Starting Point in Conway, N.H.; Safe Voices, Lewiston; Community H.E.L.P., Bridgton; Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota; Dress for Success, Portland; and the Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop, Bridgton.

The “Bra-ffle” raffle, held throughout the month, winners are: grand prize photo session with Molly Breton Photography, Vanessa Smith; Avon basket, Cathy Mains; basket of homemade honey, Wanda Martin; Bridgton Hospital polo shirt, Bonny Clark; Bridgton Hospital pink sweatshirt, Karen Leach; Lake Region Fitness one month membership, Loretta Henry; license plate frames, Deb Conforte, Tricia Cook, Cheryl Harmon and Mary Maxwell.