HOULTON, Maine — The Health Services Foundation is once again embarking on its popular diamond raffle to help raise funds for much needed equipment at Houlton Regional Hospital.
“With the departure of Walter Goodrich and the closing of his jewelry store, the Foundation was looking for an innovative way to keep this wonderful annual event going in support of much needed equipment for the hospital,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director. “So it was decided that maybe a good idea would be to do something for her, for him and for them. We all know that Valentine’s Day has a tendency to lean heavy toward the ladies side for getting those awesome diamonds or other beautiful things just maybe leaving the guys feeling not quite so special. So this year in addition to that beautiful diamond for her, make it a great day for him too, and then round it all out by being able to do something special together, hence our new twist on this fabulous fundraiser.”
The foundation was able to obtain this year’s diamonds from Goodrich before his business closed, so everyone should still feel that connection to Goodrichs by having another year of diamonds from the store, she added.
Prizes being offered this year are as follows:
• First prize — A 14kt white gold diamond square shape ring; a David Ortiz signed 2013 World Series baseball with a “Man Cave” sign; and a fun getaway at Hollywood Casino in Bangor.
• Second prize — A 14kt white gold diamond right hand ring; $500 Walmart voucher toward a large flat-screen TV; and concert tickets for “Mamma Mia” May 28 (best seats in the house) at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
• Third prize —A 14kt white gold diamond flower shape pendant; $100 L.L. Bean Gift Card; $100 Macs Trading Post gift certificate; and $50 gift certificate to the Courtyard Café.
• Fourth prize — A 14kt yellow gold diamond heart shaped ring; “Man Can” with $75 Sears gift card; and Maine wine/handmade Maine chocolates.
• Fifth prize — 14kt white gold diamond earrings; men’s Citizen’s watch w/Little Diamond; and a “Night at Home Entertainment Basket.”
Since there is no store to showcase the diamonds this year they can be seen and tickets available at the Foundation office (located first floor behind the Gift Shop) at Houlton Regional Hospital. Tickets will also be available at Chadwick Florist, Country North Gifts, Daniels Florist and Macs Trading Post.
“We cannot begin to say how much we appreciate each of these businesses being willing to use their stores to help us with ticket sales – this really is a big thing for us,” Dulin said. “We are exceptionally fortunate as well to have the following as ‘Diamond Dazzling Donors,’ Chadwick Florist, Country North Gifts, Ellis Family Market, Hollywood Casino, Houlton Water Company, Plum Island Soap Company, The Thirsty Dawg, Walmart and an anonymous person. These amazing prizes could never have been offered without their support.”
Dulin added that tickets make a great holiday “stocking stuffer.”
Only 831 tickets will be available. Why such an odd number?
“The reason is because last year was our 30th anniversary, and we sold over 800 tickets and decided to add the extra one for our 31st year,” Dulin said. “We are hoping for a sell out with all these great prizes, so it is best not wait too long before they are all gone. We don’t want any disappointed sweethearts out there.”
Proceeds from this event will support the current fundraising project to assist Houlton Regional with the purchase of 3D general ultrasound equipment for the radiology department.
“Everyone buying a ticket will support the Foundation to reach the ultrasound equipment goal, and perhaps lots of folks will do so with a touch of nostalgia to honor all the years Walter has been an enormous presence for this fundraiser,” Dulin added.“Our amazing communities and hospital personnel here in The County continue to support Foundation fund-raising efforts with constant generosity to help their healthcare providers provide the very best for them. We never forget this kind of giving for without it we cannot make it happen.”
Tickets are $20 each with the drawing being held Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. Anyone wishing to purchase his or her tickets with a credit card may do so by calling the Foundation office at 521-2503. Tickets may only be purchased by those 16 years of age or older. Winners are responsible for all taxes. All diamond information as well as overall Foundation information can be viewed online at www.healthservicesfoundation.org. or by calling 207-521-2147.
