Contributed photoHOULTON — The Health Services Foundation held another successful auction Saturday April 30, as the event raised $10,000 and served as the kick-off event for Phase II of the Foundation’s fund-raising drive for Houlton Regional Hospital.
“Our donors allowed us to present the most amazing array of items offering wonderful choices to be had, and there never are words enough to say how grateful we are to each and every one of them,” said Elizabeth Dulin, executive director for HSF. “The Shiretown Inn and Suites provided us with a great venue to showcase all the wonderful pieces that were being offered, with Marty Gervais and his staff doing an amazing job at accommodating everything we needed for the comfort of our guests and the actual setup. It couldn’t have been better. Thanks to all those who behind the scenes were instrumental in making everything come together so beautifully.”
Wayne Watson served as auctioneer for the evening and did his best to keep everyone entertained and on their toes.
“He made it fun and very often had some hesitant buyers jump in before that No. 3 ended the bidding to help raise the amounts for an even better return,” Dulin said. “Smith and Wesson once again donated the 1911 ‘E’ Series firearm. We had the last diamond ring to offer from Goodrich Jewelry and Scott Spurling’s incredible green Brazilian tourmaline with diamonds were highlights for the evening. When the night reached the point for those items to go under the hammer, there was a lot of excitement and the bidding went very well.”
Dulin added there was a great crowd that was enthusiastic about supporting the Foundation.
“All the wonderful pieces that were donated say a lot about the generosity of our communities and we deeply thank all of them as well as all those who helped us pull the whole evening together,” she said. “We are comprised of small communities, and most everyone has great choices for weekend activities so we appreciate all those who decided to join us for the evening.”
In the past six years over 600 items have been auctioned off for $80,000 in support of hospital needs.
“That says a lot about the generosity of those living here in The County,” Dulin said. “Imagine how incredibly fortunate we have been to have also had many individuals and companies donate pieces from all over the country showing that so many people care about what it is we do.”
The Foundation has been fortunate through the years as it constantly fundraises for the health and well being of the community and the success of our auction means the Foundation can continue doing that to the very best of its ability.
“We are so very grateful to those who joined us as ‘Excellence in Health Care’ to all those we serve just keeps getting better because of all the great people who live, work, play and call this wonderful place home,” said Dulin.
Proceeds from the event will support Phase II and assist with the needs requested for ambulatory surgery, cardiac rehab, dietary, emergency room, OB/labor and delivery, and operating room departments. The overall campaign will ultimately raise $350,000 to bring 24 pieces of equipment to 12 departments at Houlton Regional Hospital, replacing or upgrading existing equipment thereby allowing everyone using hospital services access to the best technology we can provide.
Anyone wishing further information regarding the Foundation, may call 207-521-2147 or visit www.healthservicesfoundation.org.
