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.

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.