Twelve years ago in 2001 while the Foundation was searching for new ways to generate revenue, a conversation with Walter Goodrich, suggested that perhaps a diamond ring would be a good event to try, the idea was considered and thus was born the Foundation’s annual Diamond Ring Raffle.
The very first year the ring prompted a total sellout of tickets with folks stopping Walter on the street to ask if more were available. We knew at that time, we had a hit on our hands. The first raffle had only one prize of a one-carat solitaire ring and the winner was Lea Riley who was employed by Houlton Regional Hospital at the time. It was a wonderful surprise to see it come back to where the workings of the very first event were being generated.
The first three drawings were for only one diamond ring, however, the fourth year was the beginning of three prizes that lasted for six years. As the first drawings were very well received we felt that perhaps it would make for an even better fundraiser if people knew they had more than one chance to win a prize and the addition of more prizes was warmly received.
Year 10 saw a fabulous collection of 10 prizes in celebration of the 10th anniversary of diamond raffles. That year saw two diamond rings along with eight other amazing prizes.
Year 11 saw the first drawing of five prizes.
Now year 12 presents a beautiful selection of three pieces in platinum: The most beautiful of metals used in jewelry today with a rich white luster and understated elegance that is beyond compare. We have a three-stone platinum diamond ring that is one full carat, second prize a half-carat platinum pendant with platinum chain and third prize has two pieces, a half-carat (total weight) platinum diamond earrings with a Citizens platinum tone watch.
When we say the platinum is understated elegance beyond compare, what is beyond compare for the Foundation is the remarkable amount of over $150,000 (obviously not including the final numbers for this year) that has been raised from this totally successful fundraiser. What started out as a “hoping it would work well for us decision,” turned into an annual event with drawings held on Valentine’s Day. Of course what better way to celebrate that special day than having someone win a beautiful diamond ring to give to someone, or just to keep for themselves.
We would start our raffle just after Thanksgiving to give people a chance to purchase tickets as Christmas presents, and one way we did that was by using our favorite expression of how great a “Stocking Stuffer” the ticket would be. Many a boyfriend or husband would have been sorely remiss if one of those tickets didn’t show up their fair maiden’s package, card or stocking on Christmas morning.
This fundraiser has assisted with amazing projects such as the Pediatric Expansion, Nuclear Medicine Equipment/Radiology Expansion and Digital Mammography Equipment. These, of course, were the really big projects, however, it has also supported many, many other vital needs of Houlton Regional Hospital and other area health care providers along with ambulance services, fire departments, schools and the healthy walking trail. This event has done so much good for the health care of our communities and saying a huge “thank you” to Walter Goodrich for the germination of this idea is hardly adequate. Every year people look forward to the “Coming Out” of the current diamond and what other prizes are offered as well.
As most everyone knows this year’s diamond raffle will support the Foundation’s new campaign to purchase nine specific items for seven different departments requested by Houlton Regional Hospital, thereby providing a broad based campaign for a number of departments with vital health care needs. Those who work at Houlton Regional spend every day doing a remarkable job with the equipment they have, however, it is time to help these departments with new upgrades to let them continue doing the remarkable work they do.
To give the very best in patient health care is why they do what they do, and we know their new equipment will keep them delivering their specialized services at the optimum high level of standards they have set for themselves in the delivery of that care. We are sure most everyone has been touched by at least one of the departments for themselves, family, or friends when in need of a medical service and will always want to know they are receiving the best possible care available to them at the time of their visit.
This year we reach out, once again, to ask for everyone’s help in purchasing a ticket and support the Foundation to reach its goal of supplying the departments with their current service needs.
In all the years this fundraiser has been conducted the ring has never left the state of Maine and only left the county once. When you think of 700 to 900 tickets being sold in all four corners of the United States and everything in-between covering a third of the country, the irony of it staying right here all the time is truly remarkable.
Planning to Continue
the Diamond Tradition
Even though our amazing partnership with Goodrich Jewelry for this event is coming to a close, we have been fortunate to learn that many wish to see this go on, and expressed interest in helping us with the event’s future. Therefore we have already begun strategizing with some individuals on continuing this wonderful tradition as a tribute to Walter and keep Valentine’s Day a special time when someone always walks away a sparkling winner. I look forward to working with them on this project.
The drawing will be held on Thursday, Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day) at 5 p.m. at Goodrich Jewelry.
All jewelry items may be seen and tickets purchased at Goodrich Jewelry, North Road, Houlton, or call the Foundation Office at 207-521-2503 for further information and credit card sales; all major credit cards accepted. Must be 16 or older to participate and winner is responsible for all taxes.
The Health Services Foundation says “Thank You Walter for 12 Incredible and Successful Years!”
