Health Services Foundation celebrates 30th anniversary in platinum

    HOULTON — Platinum is one of the most beautiful of metals used in jewelry today with a rich white luster and understated elegance that is beyond compare.
    It is among the finest, purest and extremely rare of the precious metals on earth. Platinum has an understated elegance that appeals to both men and women, while being found in only a few locations in the world. Although platinum has been around for centuries, it may surprise you that, it has only been used to fashion jewelry for less than two centuries, making it both an ancient and a young metal.
    This precious metal has a rich and noble history being used first by the ancient Egyptians about three thousand years ago. Following along some eight hundred years later South American Incas worked in platinum, and the first platinum jewelry appeared in Europe around the year 1780, at the court of Louis XVI of France. With its incredible beauty, platinum has always been celebrated as the ultimate expression of giving for special occasions. 
    The Diamond. The symbolism of diamonds goes beyond romance. For centuries diamonds have been a symbol of love, excellence and purification. With its remarkable hardness and clarity, this gem still reigns supreme in its symbolism of power, strength, brilliance and unparalleled beauty. This enchanting gem has fascinated mankind throughout the centuries, with many regarding them as magical. Not only are diamonds rare and beautiful, no tool can cut them and the fiercest fire would leave a diamond unscathed.
    In celebration of the Health Services Foundation’s 30th anniversary, this extraordinary precious metal with diamonds is being presented for the 12th Annual Diamond Raffle. The total value of prizes listed is $11,500. First prize is a platinum three stone round cut diamond Ring with a total weight of one full carat; second prize is a half-carat platinum pendant, which will be complimented with a platinum chain; and third prize is a “Two For One,” platinum diamond earrings set with a total weight of half carat, and a Citizens gold tone watch with diamond accent at the 12 o’clock mark.
    “This year’s diamond raffle will support the Foundation’s new campaign to purchase a number of specific items requested by Houlton Regional Hospital, thereby providing a broad based campaign for a number of departments with vital health care needs,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director. “Those who work at Houlton Regional spend everyday 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 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.”
    The communities and hospital personnel here in “The County” that continue to support Foundation fund-raising efforts with their constant generosity to help the health care providers of their communities is amazing, Dulin noted.
    “We never, even for a moment, forget this kind of giving to the Foundation for without them we would never reach the heights we have of supporting our local health care providers,” she said. “All this generosity represents 30 of unprecedented giving and made a world of difference in the health care of our area. Our deepest appreciation is an understatement to convey the depth of what our donors have done throughout the years, and we are truly grateful.  We could not do what we do without this amazing support.”
    Some fun ways the Foundation will be addressing this year’s campaign will be doing lots of things around the number “three” for its 30 years. Giving levels will start at $3 and continue up with the number 3, such as $30, $300 etc. Events will have something to do with three and on May 18, 2013, the Foundation we will be hosting its third annual Charity Auction.
    “With this year’s diamond raffle, we reach out, once again, to ask for everyone’s help in buying a ticket and supporting the Foundation to reach its goal of supplying every one of these departments with their current service needs,” Dulin said. “Also, each year we let everyone know what a ‘Great Stocking Stuffer’ these tickets are. Now just for a moment imagine just how wonderful that Christmas present will be if indeed that stocking does hold a winning ticket. There will be more than just diamonds in her dreams; there will be diamonds on her finger, around her neck or on her ears, and for him a beautiful watch around his wrist.”
    Only 930 tickets will be available at $20 each and the drawing will be held February 2013 with day, date and time to be determined. They are working on something special for this year and will let the community know as soon as the details are finalized.
    “If we could have this anniversary year see all our tickets sell out, how much quicker we can have the departments acquire their new equipment,” Dulin said. “It would certainly be exciting to have that happen not only for the departments, but also for all those who must use the services.”
    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.
    For further information regarding the Foundation’s current fundraising project or any other Foundation related information please call 521-2147 or visit their website at www.healthservicesfoundation.org.