Drawing for diamond raffle is Feb. 14

    Round one of funds being raised to assist Health Services Foundation efforts to bring state-of-the-art Digital Mammography equipment to the local area in support of “Excellence in Healthcare” began with the 10th anniversary Diamond Raffle Kick-off Oct. 12.
    “Monday, Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at six o’clock p.m. this very special anniversary drawing will be held at Goodrich Jewelry, North Road, Houlton. We wanted to hold the drawing at Goodrich’s to honor all the years of support Walter Goodrich has given the Foundation, not only as a trustee, but with this enormously popular fundraiser, ” said Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director.
    This year a blazing 1.21-carat radiant cut diamond stone set on a beautiful leaf design 14-karat yellow gold band has taken center stage. Not only will there be this exciting diamond ring, but there are nine other jewelry pieces with color gemstones for a total offering of 10 fabulous and beautiful prizes to be won. The value for all these prizes is an amazing $20,000. Other prizes consist of a bracelet, pendant, earrings, ankle bracelet, watch, slider, brooch, and Maine charm/pendant. A special and 10th last prize will be a second chance to win the spectacular 55 diamond Fire and Ice ring that was last year’s presentation and no extra ticket cost.
    Women and men, who face the reality of a new breast cancer diagnosis, need to know that the very best state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment will be right here at home and they will no longer have to face travel to another facility to get digital screenings. This latest technology is significant, since it gives physicians detailed information about the size and location of abnormalities thereby allowing for much earlier breast cancer detection.
    Even though there is a wealth of global breast cancer information and support out there, the Health Services Foundation must play a big part in ensuring the local hospital has the needed equipment to promote improved health care regarding this very serious disease to all those it serves.
    There is absolutely no question that the earlier anyone is diagnosed with breast cancer, the better their chance of surviving it. Digital mammography means a quicker processing of images, and makes screening more efficient for the patient and the hospital. A state-of-the-art digital imaging system will allow for superior imaging and better detection of abnormalities at an earlier stage, and will save lives.
    “This has been a very special year as we celebrate a fund-raising event that has allowed us to give back so much to our communities in healthcare benefits,” said Dulin. “This Anniversary Celebration has given us the opportunity to offer our loyal ticket buyers a chance to celebrate along with us in a really big way. We extend our deepest and sincerest thank you to all those who have purchased tickets over all the years and give everyone a lot more chances to win.”
    Dulin said she is grateful to dazzling diamond sponsors that assisted in being able to make this year’s event, as Ed Sullivan would say, “Really Big;” 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 Wal-Mart. “Their generosity is so appreciated,” said Dulin.
    “We look forward to seeing all those who may be able to join us for a lot of suspenseful moments for ‘Who Will Be Our Winners’,” said Dulin.
    Only 1,500 tickets are available at $20 each. Anyone buying a ticket must be 16 years of age or older to participate, and winner is responsible for all taxes.
    “Help us support the fight against breast cancer and be sure the ‘Love of Your Life’ doesn’t get left out of this sweetheart of a raffle,” Dulin added.
    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.
    For more information about the Foundation, other programs/projects and those serving as trustees visit www.healthservicesfoundation.org or contact the Foundation office at 521-2147 or 521-2503.