Deadline nears for diamond raffle

HOULTON, Maine — At 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, the Courtyard Café on Main Street, Houlton will host the setting where not only one lucky winner of a diamond ring will be drawn, but an additional two winners as well.     “This year’s raffle has total bling, with a first prize of a stunning 14-karat white gold, one-carat center stone diamond ring, surrounded on top and sides by another .39 carats valued at $8,700,” said Foundation Director Elizabeth Dulin.
Second prizewinner will receive a freshwater pearl necklace with 14-karat gold “Tree of Life Pendant.” The pendant has a removable enhancer clip allowing the pearls and the pendant to be worn alone if one chooses.  The third prize winner will receive a sweet hot diamond bracelet.  All jewelry may be seen at Goodrich Jewelry on North Road Houlton where tickets also may be purchased.
Last year’s diamond raffle funds supported Phase I of the Foundation’s $1 million campaign to assist Houlton Regional Hospital with it Nuclear Medicine Project equipment needs.  The success of Phase I allowed the Foundation to make a grant to the hospital in the amount of $302,000 to purchase (at no cost to the hospital) state-of-the-art nuclear medicine imaging equipment.
“We were so fortunate to be able to raise the monies needed for this very vital piece of equipment and once again shows the outstanding generosity of our communities for our healthcare projects,” said Dulin. “Funds raised from this years raffle will support Phase II of the campaign and will be earmarked for the renovation/expansion of the nuclear medicine department.  Diagnostic testing areas may be viewed just as rooms to some, but this part of the project addresses a critical need of privacy and comfort.  It is our goal to make sure that everyone that uses this facility has all the privacy and comfort possible while undergoing stressful testing.  If everyone could see the current area, there would be no question of raising the additional $700,000 needed as there would be a complete understanding of just how vitally important this expansion is for those who must use this facility. We do encourage anyone having questions about such a large undertaking by the Foundation to please call our office and we will be happy to talk about this important undertaking.”
“Once again we invite everyone to come by the Courtyard Café between 6-7 to enjoy a hour of l’amore de chocolat (translated as “love of chocolate). The Courtyard’s Valentine’s Day dinner will be held that evening so bring your Sweetheart to the Café for fine dining and have fun watching this drawing on a very special night”, Dulin continued.
Chocolate delights by the Courtyard will be available, at no charge, to tempt taste buds before the winners are drawn.
In addition to Goodrich Jewelry, tickets are also available at Aroostook Milling, Houlton Chamber of Commerce, F.A. Peabody Company, Houlton, the Foundation office, and the Auxiliary Gift Shop (located at Houlton Regional Hospital).
Only 850 tickets are available for a $25 donation.
“The clock is ticking,” said Dulin. “So be sure the ‘Love of Your Life’ doesn’t get left out of this sweetheart of a raffle.”
Tickets may be purchased on line until 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 by visiting the Foundation’s website at www.healthservicesfoundation.org. Anyone who makes their purchase on-line but are unable to pick their ticket(s) up before the drawing, should rest assured as the name will be duly entered and purchasers will receive their ticket(s) by mail/or can pick them up for records.
“Though there will only be three winners, everyone benefits with the proceeds going to support the Foundation’s $1M campaign to assist our hospital with its current Nuclear Medicine needs. Help us help our communities provide ‘Excellence in Healthcare’ with the best possible options for healthier, happier lives,” added Dulin.
For more information on this event or other Foundation programs/projects, please contact the Foundation Office at 521-2147 or 521-2503.