Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria AustinSOLD — Norris Oakes, professional auctioneer from Bangor, helped with the Houlton Health Services Foundation auction held last Saturday at York’s of Houlton. Oakes donated his time.
HOULTON — “Sold!” That is what the Foundation heard on every item showcased in its Saturday night auction held at York’s of Houlton Showroom.
Everyone came out a winner, those who took home their items and Houlton Regional Hospital, who will, upon completion of this fundraising campaign, be able to purchase state-of-the-art digital mammography, and support the fight against breast cancer at the local level.
This event presented a wonderful collection of more than 97 artistic pieces and other items from local artists, state of Maine artists and those of 27 states of the U.S. and one territory. The event raised $20,000 for the Foundation.
“What an exciting adventure this has been,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Health Services Foundation Executive Director. “When Walter Goodrich decided to so generously donate his 1962 Triumph TR3 convertible, as Foundation director I wanted to do something very special with this car. I thought, wouldn’t it be a great idea to build an auction around this instead of simply trying to raffle it off. The idea was presented to board members and we were off and running never dreaming it would take on such a life of its own. Months were put into planning and collecting the items and the outpouring of generosity was absolutely incredible. There was art, jewelry, antiques, books, baskets, woodcarvings, delightful handmade sewing and knitted pieces, pottery and so much more, with a special new E-Series Exclusive firearm donated by Smith Wesson.”
York’s of Houlton provided the setting for this event with a full house with more than 100 bidders attending. Norris Oakes, professional auctioneer from Bangor, kept the crowd entertained with his winning personality that had the group smiling and laughing a lot throughout the evening. Almost everyone stayed until the final item was reached and celebrated along with the Foundation at what a fantastic night it turned out to be.
The Foundation has been fundraising for Houlton Regional Hospital and other healthcare providers since 1983 and continues to do so knowing its efforts see positive results by equipment, educational programs, and capital needs which are assisted to the best of its financial ability.
“This fundraiser was truly no exception with the outstanding generosity of our donors and bidders we will be able to, once again, purchase vitally needed state-of-the-art medical equipment for Houlton Regional Hospital,” Dulin said.
A recent hospital in-house campaign in support of the Foundation’s effort has raised over $60,000 making the additional $325,000 the Foundation needs to raise that much easier.
“We really appreciate what hospital personnel accomplished in supporting this great project,” said Dulin.
When Foundation trustees voted to accept the current project of raising funds to bring digital mammography to Houlton Regional, it was an easy decision. In 2001 funds were raised to purchase Sophie, the current mammography equipment, which at that time was state-of-the-art.
“At that time, we were delighted to be able to bring that equipment to the local area, now ten years later, it is vitally important that we stay ahead with the latest technology and bring digital screening to Houlton Regional into the state-of-the-art digital era for mammography. For high-risk patients who require digital screenings it means they must travel to another facility for that service, however, now when the new equipment arrives they will be able to do that locally and what a big difference that can mean when it is the middle of February and travel conditions are not the best to say the least. For women and men facing the reality of a new breast cancer diagnosis, having access to the latest breast cancer screening technology is absolutely vital, and the Foundation wishes to play a big part, in our small corner of the world to do everything we can to fight this very serious disease. Early detection is key to a better chance of survival,” Dulin said.
Digital mammography images show uniform quality over a range of conditions and breast sizes, including penetration of dense tissue. Also, with the digital machine it’s possible to manipulate images by zooming in or adjusting contrast if there’s a suspected calcification or mass.
Some people may not know the origin of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which began in 1985 as a global health campaign aimed at increasing awareness about breast cancer and raising funds for research into prevention and cures, and during that time providing a base of information and support to those affected by breast cancer. As a result of this beginning, events of every shape and size are organized and held to bring people together, to remember those who have lost their lives to the disease and to celebrate those who have defeated it, all the while raising money for an extraordinary cause.
“We are incredibly grateful to all who joined our fun-filled night of auction treasures and helped a great cause in the bargain,” she said.
For further information regarding Foundation, call 207-521-2147 or www.healthservicesfoundation.org.