HOULTON, Maine — Donor generosity resulted in the Health Services Foundation cracking the $10,000 mark during its annual charity auction June 6.
“What a special night it turned out to be when donor generosity allowed the Foundation to present an array of superb items, which offered wonderful choices to be had at our recent auction charity event,” said Elizabeth Dulin, foundation executive director. “Over 100 pieces were displayed with an amazing $10,315 being raised from all those attending.”
Midway through the auction there was a bittersweet moment when one of Esther Faulkner’s final paintings was auctioned off with her son in attendance. The painting sold for an outstanding $2,500. Another poignant moment came when the final Paul Porter donated item was auctioned as well.
“They were great artists whose works will never be forgotten and truly treasured by all those who have had the good fortune to own one of their works,” Dulin said.
Proceeds from this event will support the current $350,000 Foundation campaign to provide equipment and services for Houlton Regional covering 24 pieces for 12 different departments. Phase I of this multi-faceted campaign will focus on a new coagulation instrument for the laboratory. This instrument will perform testing to evaluate patients for bleeding abnormalities, monitoring anticoagulant therapy (coumadin and heparin), and checking patients for blood clots.
A FUJI Synapse System for radiology will enable radiologist to read off the computer monitors in an office any study that has been done within the department. The system also has the ability to send images over the Internet to other facilities for reading. A Medical Records Fusion Voice Dictation System is an upgraded dictation management solution that automates dictation tasks, provides easy-to-use applications that are flexible and customizable for hospital needs.
“How do you say ‘thank you’ enough to everyone who played a part in the production of this event?” Dulin said. “This was our fifth year and we never find a moment of hesitation when donors are asked if they would like to participate. They deserve an ocean full of credit because without them there would be no auction and less dollars coming in to support Foundation efforts in order to help our hospital and other local healthcare providers.”
“The dedicated staff of the Horn Restaurant makes our ability to set-up the event absolutely awesome for display,” she continued. “This year there were round tables with comfortable seating for enjoyable camaraderie among the bidders and a silent auction. The seating arrangement and silent auction were new and everyone was delighted with it all worked so beautifully.”
Organizers were not looking at next year as soon as the night ended; however, it became apparent when people started asking right away if they were going to continue.
“So the answer is ‘yes and believe it or not thoughts are already under way,” Dulin said. “With almost a whole year to organize, we are already talking strategies to produce an even memorable event. Again we take this opportunity to extend to each and everyone who made this event such a success, our deepest gratitude.”
Anyone wishing more information about this particular project, can call 207-521-2147 or visit www.healthservicesfoundation.org.
