Health Services Foundation holds 10-year diamond raffle

    HOULTON — The Health Services Foundation’s popular diamond raffle enters its 10th year with another raffle and a total of $20,000 in prizes including two diamond rings to benefit Houlton Regional Hospital (HRH). 
    “Through the years, the foundation’s diamond raffle rings have highlighted different cut stones. This year a 1.21-carat blazing radiant cut diamond stone is set on a beautiful 14kt yellow gold leaf design band that will be taking center stage,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Health Services Foundation executive director.
Ten prizes, two diamond rings
    “We are celebrating a fund-raising event that has allowed us to give back so much to our communities in health care benefits and we wanted to do so in a really big way. Not only will there be this exciting diamond ring, but there will be nine other jewelry pieces. We just wanted to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all those who have purchased tickets over the years and give everyone a lot more chances to win,” Dulin added. 
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
GRAND PRIZE — Yvette Abouleish, volunteer, left, and Elizabeth Dulin, Health Services Foundation executive director, admire the top prize for the 10th annual diamond raffle to raise money for a digital mammography machine. Holding the diamond is Walter Goodrich, owner of Goodrich Jewelry on North Rd. in Houlton. There are nine other prizes including another diamond ring.
    Dulin said there will be a bracelet, a pendant, earrings, an ankle bracelet, a watch, a slider, a brooch, and a Maine charm/pendant in addition to a second chance to win last year’s “Fire & Ice” diamond ring that was donated back to the event. In all, she said, $20,000 worth of prizes will be raffled.
    Dulin pointed out that diamonds are highly prized as a symbol that goes beyond romance. They have been treasured, she said, through the centuries as signs of love, excellence and purification indicating power, strength, brilliance and beauty. “Diamonds are enchanting treasures that have fascinated mankind throughout the centuries. Many regarded them as magical,” she said.
    The event’s sponsors and supporters, according to Dulin, include: Animal Hospital of Houlton, County Yankee, F.A. Peabody, First Choice Real Estate, Goodrich’s, Houlton Tire Company, Houlton Water Company, Paradis Shop ‘n Save, Sylvester Law Office and Walmart.
Special surprise
    “Another small surprise for diamond raffle ticket buyers this year will be a special token of our thanks. Each ticket buyer will receive a ‘Diamond Pin’ (Dime and Pin). These pins will have a pink ribbon signifying breast cancer support with a dime attached. We appreciate the Savings Bank of Maine for donating the dimes and we hope that by wearing them, people will ask questions. The answer, of course, will be two-fold: the dime and the pin represent a play on words for the diamond raffle. The pink ribbon supports our digital mammography equipment campaign for our hospital,” stated Dulin.
Diamonds for digital
mammography
    “The diamond raffle will be the first fund-raising event to start off the foundation’s new campaign called “Enhancing Sophie.” Foundation trustees recently voted to accept a major project that will allow Houlton Regional Hospital to bring current mammography services into the digital era,” continued Dulin.
    Dr. James Madix, chief of radiology at HRH said: “Digital mammography is the latest in state-of-the-art technology for breast cancer screening and this new addition to our radiology department will provide this vitally needed service.” The technology improves the visibility of both dense and soft tissue by amplifying or reducing image density and contrast.      “We all know that the earlier a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the better her chance of surviving it. This truly supports our mission of supporting excellence in health care for all those we serve,” Dulin said.
    Sales of raffles are limited to 1,500 total tickets at $20 each. “With 10 prizes and an early start for selling tickets this year, there is a good chance they will go quickly. For any given year this is a great stocking stuffer. But, with all the wonderful prizes being offered, this year’s stocking stuffers will be that much more exciting,” said Dulin. She added that all major credit cards are accepted and winners are responsible for any taxes.
    The jewelry for the diamond raffle can be seen at Goodrich Jewelry, North Road, Houlton. For more information call the foundation office at 521-250 or visit: www.healthservicesfoundation.org.