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
