“A lineup that is sure to please everyone for that wonderful something they have just the perfect place for, is what the Foundation will be presenting at its Third Charity Auction,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director.

York’s of Houlton will showcase the event Saturday, May 18, at its showroom starting with preview at 5 p.m. Catering for the evening will be done by Joyce Transue owner of the Courtyard Café in Houlton.  Norris Oakes of Bangor will bring his auction talents back for an auction start at 7 p.m.
“We are extremely fortunate to have three highlighted donated items including a coveted Smith & Wesson 1911, “E” Series Firearm, with the book “Gun” A Visual History, from Smith & Wesson; an Old Town Discovery Canoe from Gemma Bartley with signed Ray Porter (of Patten) paddles; and an incredible piece of autographed golf memorabilia (think large striped cat and a forest) with provenance,” Dulin said.
Local artisans in the Foundation’s service area have created every item at this event, with a miniscule amount of items from other areas. An amazing collection of quilts, textiles/leather, jewelry, culinary delights, wood, metal, Native American (all four Maine tribes represented), baskets, pottery, paintings, prints, beauty, books, gift certificates and whimsy are featured.
“There is just so much talent here and to be able to showcase this wealth of creativity is an honor for me personally, and also humbling that these individuals are so willing to give what has been created with their heart to support their hospital,” Dulin said. “This year we were also grateful to a number of businesses and individuals who chose to be sponsors of particular works.”      The Foundation’s fund-raising efforts this year are a broad-based campaign to purchase nine pieces of equipment over seven different departments.
“We need to replace aging equipment or a need of additional items to support patient care,” Dulin said. “The departments, which will see support, are acute care, emergency department, dietary, operating room, lab, labor and delivery and the pharmacy. The requests each department made are vitally needed and cannot be purchased by the hospital at this point in time. Proper diagnosis and treatment are what our communities rely on when they visit our hospital, they must have the security of knowing we have the right equipment to make that happen. Our campaign must raise the necessary funding for the health and well being of all those who use our hospital’s services.
“Fabulous donors provide the auction items, York’s of Houlton the venue, and a whole host of supportive workers who are so willing, especially at the last moment, to help us set up and pull it all together in record time. Setup doesn’t start until a few hours before the auction preview begins so we need all the help we can get and with everyone doing his or her part it works beautifully.”
The Foundation website at www.healthservicesfoundation
.org lists current donated auction pieces and updated as more items are added.
“Even though we are a small Foundation by a lot of standards, over $2 million in grant funding dollars has been given back, while still maintaining a strong and healthy endowment fund, even during these difficult economic times,” Dulin added. “Small Foundations, like ours are the backbone of keeping hospitals and health centers alive and well, saying a lot for those of us who continue to strive, on a daily basis, to make sure that support never stops.”

Reprinted from The Houlton Pioneer Times

Scott Allen, plant manager for Smith & Wesson in Houlton, shows Elizabeth Dulin a 1911 “E” Series firearm similar to the one that will be donated to the Health Services Foundation for its annual auction on May 18.

A phone call from Scott Allen, Smith & Wesson plant manager, brought truly exciting news to the Health Services Foundation when it was learned their donation to this year’s Charity Auction would be the extraordinary 1911 “E” Series firearm.
“For those who are and those who are not aware, the ability to purchase this firearm is extremely difficult,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Health Services Foundation executive director. “Standing orders could have someone waiting until 2016 to receive, while this auction will present a fantastic opportunity for someone to own this magnificent firearm long before others may be able to attain one. We know those who appreciate the craftsmanship of Smith & Wesson firearms will want to come to see it, bid on it and support the Foundation’s current fundraising campaign for Houlton Regional Hospital.
“Smith & Wesson truly recognizes the importance of Houlton Regional throughout all the communities they serve, and the needs that face our local health care providers on a daily basis,” Dulin continued. “They know that anyone hurt on a job in any company relies on the services that Houlton Regional provides. The hospital’s close proximity to most area businesses means that getting needed medical assistance is probably only minutes away, and we all know Minutes Can Save Lives. They have and continue to offer support of the Foundation’s mission of “Supporting Excellence in Healthcare and we are very grateful.”
This fiscal year saw the Foundation approached by Houlton Regional to assist with a broad-based campaign to purchase nine vitally needed pieces of equipment over seven different hospital departments. This will allow aging equipment to be replaced, much of which is long overdue. The areas of support are acute care, emergency department, dietary, operating room, lab, labor and delivery and the pharmacy.
“Each department piece is vitally needed to make sure proper diagnosis; treatment and patient dietary needs are operating at optimum levels,” said Dulin. “This campaign must raise the funds for the health and well being of all those who use the services of these departments for their healthcare needs.”
Smith & Wesson yearly supports the Annual County Open as a Gold Sponsor and this outstanding firearm provided for the Foundation auction will play a significant role toward a successful campaign conclusion.
Charity Auction will be held on Saturday, May 18, at York’s of Houlton Showroom, North Road, Houlton. Preview will begin at 5 pm with auction starting at 7 p.m. Approximately 100 pieces of Maine, Native American & other artistic presentations will make for a very special evening.
The Foundation has been fundraising for Houlton Regional Hospital and other area healthcare providers since 1983 and continues to do so knowing those efforts see positive results for equipment, educational programs, and capital needs that have truly made a difference for their communities.

Reprinted from The Houlton Pioneer Times

Platinum is one of the most beautiful of metals used in jewelry today with a rich white luster and understated elegance that is beyond compare.
It is among the finest, purest and extremely rare of the precious metals on earth. Platinumhas an understated elegance that appeals to both men and women, while being found in only a few locations in the world. Although platinum has been around for centuries, it may
surprise you that, it has only been used to fashion jewelry for less than two centuries, making it both an ancient and a young metal.
This precious metal has a rich and noble history being used first by the ancient Egyptians about three thousand years ago. Following along some eight hundred years later South American Incas worked in platinum, and the first platinum jewelry appeared in Europe around the year 1780, at the court of Louis XVI of France. With its incredible beauty, platinum has always been celebrated as the ultimate expression of giving for special occasions.
The Diamond. The symbolism of diamonds goes beyond romance. For centuries diamonds have been a symbol of love, excellence and purification. With its remarkable hardness and clarity, this gem still reigns supreme in its symbolism of power, strength, brilliance and unparalleled beauty. This enchanting gem has fascinated mankind throughout the centuries, with many regarding them as magical. Not only are diamonds rare and beautiful, no tool can cut them and the fiercest fire would leave a diamond unscathed.
In celebration of the Health Services Foundation’s 30th anniversary, this extraordinary precious metal with diamonds is being presented for the 12th Annual Diamond Raffle. The total
value of prizes listed is $11,500. First prize is a platinum three stone round cut diamond Ring with a total weight of one full carat; second prize is a half-carat platinum pendant, which will be
complimented with a platinum chain; and third prize is a “Two For One,” platinum diamond earrings set with a total weight of half carat, and a Citizens gold tone watch with diamond accent at the 12 o’clock mark.
“This year’s diamond raffle will support the Foundation’s new campaign to purchase a number of specific items requested by Houlton Regional Hospital, thereby providing a broad based campaign for a number of departments with vital health care needs,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director. “Those who work at Houlton Regional spend everyday doing a remarkable job with the equipment they have, however, it is time to help these departments with new upgrades to let them continue doing the remarkable work they do. To give the very best in-patient care is why they do what they do, and we know their new equipment will keep them delivering their specialized services at the optimum high level of standards they have set for themselves in the delivery of that care. We are sure most everyone has been touched by at least one of the departments for themselves, family, or friends when in need of a medical service and will always want to know they are receiving the best possible care available to them at the time of their visit.”
The communities and hospital personnel here in “The County” that continue to support Foundation fund-raising efforts with their constant generosity to help the health care providers of their communities is amazing, Dulin noted.
“We never, even for a moment, forget this kind of giving to the Foundation for without them we would never reach the heights we have of supporting our local health care providers,” she said. “All this generosity represents 30 of unprecedented giving and made a world of difference in the health care of our area. Our deepest appreciation is an understatement to convey the depth of what our donors have done throughout the years, and we are truly grateful. We could not do what we do without this amazing support.

A small, but eager crowd of bidders turned out May 19th  for the second annual Charity Auction to benefit the Health Services Foundation. And when the final gavel sounded, $14,000 had been raised for the Foundation.
Held at the York’s of Houlton Showroom, this year’s event featured a collection of items representing both Maine and international artistic items, which combined with vintage pieces that were donated by individuals and businesses.
“We were so fortunate this year to have an amazing brand new 2012 Polaris ATV donated to us by Mrs. Gemma Bartley which was certainly the highlight of the evening’s excitement,” said Elizabeth Dulin, executive director for the Foundation. “When the night reached the point for that item to go under the gavel, it topped out to everyone’s delight at $6,000.”

Even though the crowd was lighter than last year, those who turned out were enthusiastic about supporting this Foundation event, Dulin added.
“It was amazing that even with a smaller turnout we were able to raise that much in one evening,” she said. “It certainly says a lot for those who donated their items and those who were there to help. We are comprised of small communities with big hearts and there is always something good going on most weekends. So for all who put on an event this past weekend, we hope everyone did well.”
Norris Oakes of the Bangor area, once again served as auctioneer for the event.
“Norris did a great job with his winning personality that had the crowd smiling and laughing throughout the evening,” Dulin said. “As with last year’s event, a great deal of effort was put into planning/collecting the items and the level of generosity was absolutely wonderful. There was art, jewelry, antiques, books, baskets, woodcarvings, handcrafted textile pieces, pottery and so much more.”
The Foundation has been fundraising for Houlton Regional Hospital and other health care providers since 1983 and continues to do so in an effort to see positive results in the purchase of equipment, educational programs, and capital needs which are assisted to the best of its financial ability.

“This fundraiser was another outstanding testament to the generosity of our donors and bidders which enables us continue the great legacy that the Foundation has established. We are incredibly grateful to those who did join us for the auction and care about the Foundation’s efforts to support “excellence in health care” to all those we serve” Dulin said.
For more information about the Foundation, call 207-521-2147.

Article reprinted from the Houlton Pioneer Times

Health Services Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Dulin, left, looks over the Thompson rifle that will be auctioned off Saturday for the Foundation’s annual charity event. With Dulin is Scott Allen, plant manager for Smith & Wesson.

A number of high profile items will be up for grabs this weekend as the Health Services Foundation hosts its second annual charity auction Saturday starting at 5 p.m. inside Yorks of Houlton’s showroom.

Under the theme of “Maine Meets International and Visits the Past,” many of the auction items feature work from Maine and international artists.

On Monday, Health Services Foundation acquired a Thompson Center Arms Pro-Hunter Magnum Muzzleloader rifle with a camouflage handle from Smith & Wesson valued at $1,500.

“It is our hope that those who truly appreciate a Thompson rifle will come to the auction see it, bid on it and support the foundations in its ongoing efforts to assist our health care providers with the best possible options for their patients,” said Elizabeth Dulin, executive director for the foundation. “More than 100 items will present a variety of listings in each category providing bidders a very interesting selection to choose from.”

The auction also features a 2012 Polaris ATV, donated by Gemma Bartley, valued at $7,699. This fiscal year the Foundation is “Looking toward the future by fundraising today for excellence in health care tomorrow,” according to Dulin. “Recent campaigns have seen the Foundation grant to Houlton Regional, and other area non-profit healthcare providers, over $1 million in funding for nuclear medicine  equipment, capital project for radiology expansion, digital mammography equipment as well as additional
hospital and health care provider requests.

“The challenge now is to be prepared for the health care challenges of tomorrow,” Dulin said. “Rapidly rising health care costs along with delayed reimbursement levels have made it extremely difficult for hospitals and health centers to keep up and provide for equipment/services that are so vital to their patients. Big foundations always get a lot of attention for all the good work they do, but across this country small foundations, like ours, keep hospitals and health centers alive and well, and that says a lot for those of us who continue to strive, on a daily basis, to make sure that support never stops.”

The Foundation has been fund-raising for Houlton Regional Hospital and other health care providers since 1983 and those efforts have seen positive results in equipment, educational programs, and capital needs assisted to the best of its financial ability.
A listing of current auction items can be found at www.healthservicesfoundation.org or for more information regarding this event, call the office at 521-2503. The event will also feature catering by Joyce Transue, owner of the Courtyard Café in Houlton.

TD Bank, through the TD Charitable Foundation, recently donated a total of $7,500 to the Health Services Foundation as part of the bank’s commitment to giving back to the community.

CHECK PRESENTATION — TD Bank of Houlton recently donated $7,500 to the Health Services Foundation for its ongoing quest to raise funds for health care projects. Taking part in the presentation are, from left, Margaret Cook, customer service representative; Elizabeth Dulin, executive director for Health Services Foundation; and John Tribou, manager of Houlton’s TD Bank.

The Health Services Foundation provides financial assistance to area health care providers in Southern Aroostook, Northern Washington and Northern Penobscot Counties to assist with their equipment, programs, educational, and capital requests. That assistance is particularly important given todays rapidly rising health care costs, and allows providers to continue the high standards of health care options their patients so richly deserve. The Foundation has given back to their ommunities over $2 million to date and that support is built upon the strength of the Foundation’s mission “to support excellence in health care by soliciting and administering gifts to assist area non-profit health and wellness agencies with financial support to ensure the continuity of quality healthcare, and support educational opportunities throughout our region.”

The organization will use the funds from the TD Charitable Foundation to support the early detection of breast cancer through digital mammography services at the local level. Early detection of breast cancer is the best defense a woman or man can have against this very serious healthcare issue and will save lives.

“The Health Services Foundation is grateful to the TD Charitable Foundation as they have
been very instrumental, through the years, with their financial support, in assisting the
Foundation’s efforts in ensuring the highest quality health care options are available to all those we serve,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director.

The Health Services Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 Charitable Foundation, composed of a
volunteer Board of Trustees that serves without compensation, with officers and members being prominent leaders of the greater Houlton area.

A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank and the TD Charitable
Foundation provide financial and other support to affordable housing initiatives, financial literacy and education and the environment, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.

Reprinted from The Houlton Pioneer Times

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr

HOULTON — After more than a year of raising funds, Houlton Regional Hospital is now the proud owner of state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment.
The hospital unveiled its new technology last Thursday when it invited those who donate to the cause to come see the new digital mammography equipment and patient room. A light lunch was also provided by the hospital.
“We’re pleased to introduce our new digital mammography machine and room to the community,” said Tom Moakler, CEO for Houlton Regional Hospital. “We’ve had it on board for about three weeks now, with staff training taking place. It’s been long overdue and a great community project. It’s been a great project to see develop.”
Employees at the hospital helped raise $60,000 for the new equipment. The bulk of the fund-raising effort, however, came from the Health Services Foundation, which raised a total of $285,000 for the project.
“Health Services Foundation was truly pleased to see so many donors along with hospital employees gather for the recent dedication of the new digital mammography system,” said Elizabeth Dulin, executive director for the Foundation. “This indeed was a very special campaign for the Foundation as here we are 10 years later, after funding for Sophie, our then state-of-the-art upgrade for mammography screenings, being able to bring, once again, the best possible equipment we can to Houlton Regional Hospital.”
With the grant funding for digital mammography, another milestone was reached, as the Foundation broke the $2 million mark in giving back to help support excellence in health care to their communities served.
“That says a lot about how much our communities and hospital employees cared about the importance of this effort, and how hard we worked to make bringing this equipment to Houlton a reality,” Dulin said. “As the executive director, I can only say with heartfelt sincerity how much all the generous contributions to this fund-raising effort meant. Also, not only are our donors financially generous, but also generous with their time in helping us reach the goals that are
set.”
Dulin said this latest digital mammography system brought great relief to those who are considered high risk patients, who will no longer have to make long trips to a facility in Bangor to accommodate their screening needs.
“We know that early detection is the best prevention and this new system will be able to catch breast cancer issues at a far earlier stage,” Dulin said. “This early stage detection will assist providers to prepare for the best course of treatment for the best possible outcome.”
The equipment is located in the same location as the previous mammography room at the hospital, but renovations were made to make the experience more comforting, Moakler said. Staff had about one week of training with the new technology.
Sue McLaughlin, radiology manager at HRH, said there was a slight learning curve with the new technology. The biggest difference, however, was the turnaround time for doctors to get results.
“Before, we used to take images on film and have them processed,” McLaughlin said. “We had to wait for each film to develop. This is an instantaneous process. We push a button and the image is right there on the monitor.”
McLaughlin said the quality of the image is also far superior to previous technology. That prior technology was actually discouraged by some in the field.
“A lot of patients who had breast cancer, their oncologists didn’t want them coming here to HRH because we were still using film,” McLaughlin said. “They wanted their patients to have mammograms done elsewhere because of the (older) technology.”
“There are several advantages to this new technology,” added Dr. Joseph Mack. “It’s been shown that there is a decrease in the dose of radiation.”
Another advantage with the digital technology is how well it works with detecting abnormalities with younger women.
“There is an increased rate of detection,” Dr. Mack said. “Women under 50 have denser breast tissue, making detection more difficult with the previous technology.”

With the completion of the digital mammography campaign, the Health Services Foundation crossed the $2 million threshold for raising funds in the community.
“Reaching the $2 million milestone was exciting for all those associated with the Foundation,” Dulin said. “Our organization has been built on great strength and integrity achieving a heritage of generously assisting area health care providers with their requests for support. That strength and integrity is made possible only through the extraordinary commitment of our donors over so many years.
“All our donors who support the Foundation do so knowing how vitally important our hospital is to our area and will do what they can on a regular basis to continue the goal of having Houlton Regional be the ‘Hospital of Choice’ for our area. They know that the assistance the Foundation extends to healthcare providers allows them to extend the best possible healthcare options they can so the best possible decisions can be made regarding a persons health and wellness,” she added.
The Foundation will continue to support the local hospital, health care clinics, ambulance, fire department services or other organizations that fall under a health care need, Dulin said.
Anyone wishing to know more about the Health Services Foundation, current projects and programs, or to make a donation should call the Foundation office 521-2147, or visit the website at www.healthservicesfoundation.org.

Reprinted from the Houlton Pioneer Times

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr

The Health Services Foundation recently held it’s annual diamond raffle fundraiser.  Winning prizes were, from the left, Arthur Hall, watch; Yvette Abouleish, diamond ring; Shelley Lane, diamond earrings; Donna King, watch; Dr. Linda Marya, pendant;  Elizabeth Dulin, the foundation’s executive director; and Walter Goodrich of Goodrich’s Jewelry.

CHECK PRESENTATION — The Health Service Foundation recently presented a $5,821 grant to the Island Falls Fire and Ambulance departments. Taking part are, front from left, are Steven Sirois; Chief Jeremy York; Chairman Paige Coville; Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director; Joseph Levesque III, director; and Captain Josh Rockwell; and back, John Schmidt and Paula Sirois.

The Island Falls Ambulance and Fire Department received a $5,821 grant from the Health Services Foundation to help purchase a new computer system to assist with documenting vital information while on the scene of emergency calls.
The grant will help the department purchase a Panasonic “Tuff Book” and programming, according to Elizabeth Dulin, Health Services Foundation executive director.

The Tuff Book is a laptop computer that is built to withstand the harsh environments that emergency services encounter and provides a way for users to document vital information on scenes and to get life-saving information to hospitals faster then before.
“The Foundation is always pleased to provide grant funding to those who contribute so much to our communities,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director. “The Island Falls Ambulance service is very deserving given the rural nature of our communities as they always perform at top-notch efficiency going ‘above and beyond’ to save lives and give great comfort, assurance during difficult situations. As always, we must thank our donors who consistently support all our efforts, as we would not be able to give back all that we do if it were not for them.”
“The Island Falls Ambulance and Fire departments along with the town manager and selectmen would like to thank the Health Services Foundation for their support of our services,” said Director Joseph A. Levesque III. “We also thank Jon Mcqurrie EMT-I for writing the grant request form for presentation to the Foundation.”
Anyone wishing to know more about the Health Services Foundation, current projects and programs, or to make a donation please call the Foundation office 521-2147 where any questions will be happily answered, or visit the website at www.healthservicesfoundation.org.

Reprinted from the Houlton Pioneer Times

HOULTON — The Houlton Community Arts Center Council and the Health Services Foundation are teaming up to bring the Maine State Ballet to Houlton.
Portland’s premier Ballet Company, under the direction of Linda MacArthur Miele, the Maine State Ballett will appear in the Shiretown Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4 and will present exciting productions of “Peter & the Wolf” and “Western Roundup” at the Houlton Community Arts Center.
The Maine State Ballet, showcases full-length ballets along with contemporary pieces in a varied repetoire of this highly versatile company.
In a series of meetings between Susan Waite York, Arts Center trustee, and Elizabeth Dulin, Health Services Foundation executive director, discussions were held regarding the possibility of a partnership between the Arts Center and the Foundation to bring cultural activities to the Greater Houlton area.
“As a result of those discussions, we take great pleasure in this announcement of our organizations presenting these ballet productions for the enjoyment of our communities. This is a fun, cultural event that sends out a wonderful message to our communities, “Look what we are doing together”.
Sharing the responsibilities that go into putting on a production like this will be a great learning experience in events partnering and even better will support two very important fundraising endeavors. This mutual effort will not only assist each organization toward their ultimate fundraising goals, but also bring cultural enrichment to our communities with the Performing Arts.
Fundraiser planned “In support of bringing the ballet to Houlton, The Arts Center is planning a Charity Dinner serving local and organic foods from the area. This event will be held Saturday, March 12, at the Houlton Elks Club, with cocktails beginning at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and will be available at York’s Bookstore, York’s of Houlton and Houlton School of Dance.
“We look forward to a great turnout in support of not only this event in particular, but for the future of the Arts Center as well,” said York.
The ballet is not just a fundraiser, it is the hope of the two groups that by bringing this event to Houlton it will encourage other productions to come to our area, thereby expanding our cultural base. Even though this is the first partnering adventure, the groups plan to continue discussions regarding cultural activities to be held, possibly on an annual basis.
“Ballet today, maybe Broadway tomorrow, ” said Dulin.
“The Houlton Community Arts Center Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise funds and generate interest in the Community Arts Center located at the Houlton Junior/Senior High School. Phase One of the building project has been completed, however, strong community interest to expand visual and performing arts has those involved with Phase Two eager to press forward in building an additional wing. The new space will play a dual role by accommodating the growing educational needs of students, and provide up-coming events, performed in the Center’s auditorium, a proper, separate environment to practice and present the performing arts,” said York.
The Foundation’s current fundraising goal is to bring Digital Mammography to the local area, in support of earlier detection of breast cancer. This campaign will support an effort to raise $385,000 for purchase of state-of-the-art technology for Houlton Regional Hospital.
The adventures of “Peter and the Wolf,” music by Sergei Prokofiev, and “Western Roundup,” a rousing fun-filled, saloon girls, swinging ballet set to traditional western music, are staged, and choreographed by Linda Miele.

Reprinted from the Houlton Pioneer Times