Two years ago, Down East Hospice, which provides free, nonmedical services to terminally ill people and their families throughout Washington County from its offices in Calais and Machias, hosted its first “Be Our Valentine Dinner and Auction.”

That event, held at Washington County Vocational Technical College in Calais, was an unqualified success.

Reporting on the results of that first fund-raiser, Linda Gralenski of Pembroke, who is now DEH board president, said then that the event not only raised $3,000 for DEH, but was a sellout as well.

Back by popular demand, DEH is hosting its second “Be Our Valentine Dinner and Art Auction” beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17.

This time, however, the event will be held in the main dining room at the University of Maine at Machias.

This means that Gralenski is being true to her word because, she told me in 1999, the next event would be held at a bigger place.

Obviously, everyone associated with this year’s “Be Our Valentine Dinner and Auction” is hoping for another sellout, which is why you are urged to purchase your tickets now.

Reservations are required and available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited and tickets are going fast.

To make reservations, you must call Gralenski by Thursday, Feb. 8, at 726-5837.

Admission is $20 per person and, from the looks of the offerings, that fee is a real bargain.

First of all, you will be treated to a delicious dinner prepared by the UMM dining room staff, which will be served at 6:15 p.m.

After dinner, well-known UMM Professor Arthur Hill will pick up the gavel and get the bidding started on some wonderful, original works of art donated by Washington County area artists.

Bidders can choose from a variety of paintings, pen and ink drawings, pottery, woodcarvings and wall hangings. All items will have a stated minimum bid.

Among the artists who have donated items to help support the work of DEH are: June Hallowell, Mary Livingstone, David Orrell, Nannabelle Carter, Sharon Weir, Diana Young, Fran McLean, Roland LaVallee, Marie Murphy, Fred Hartman, Jim O’Neill, Scottie Boyle, Joan Edwards, Donald Sutherland, Joel Babb, Rita Barr, Jacque Shave and Susan Placy.

According to information provided by Barbara Smith of DEH, the work of this organization has seen a great deal of increase in the number of individuals receiving services, and the scope of assistance provided has expanded greatly since DEH first started serving Washington County residents in 1981.

Fortunately, DEH has many dedicated and caring volunteers, and almost never declines a request for services but, in order to continue its work, Down East Hospice depends on the generosity of the local community.

Attending this special fund-raiser is just one of the many ways in which you can help this agency assist those who need its services.

Smith said this year’s goal is to equal or exceed the $3,000 raised in 1999, and I certainly hope that proves to be the case, since efforts are under way to obtain matching funding for the proceeds from this event.

Those of you who purchased Oakhurst eggnog during the month of December might like to know that not only were you and your guests enjoying that traditional, delicious holiday drink, but you were helping others at the same time.

Bill Bennett, Oakhurst’s vice president of operations, has announced that the Maine dairy, founded in 1921, donated four cents from every sale of its eggnog that month to The Salvation Army of Northern New England.

The Oakhurst contribution of $6,000 helped fund The Salvation Army’s holiday programs, which provide food, clothing and other assistance to needy families.

The Good Samaritan Agency of Bangor, founded in 1902, offers adoption services and services to single parents.

At Good Sam’s January board meeting, according to staff member Lisa Wahlstrom, board members enjoyed “small-size” refreshments as part of its celebration of reaching the halfway point in its Annual Fund campaign.

Having completed six months of the campaign, board President Theresa Bragg was able to announce the agency has reached 58 percent of its $40,000 goal.

Bragg and other board members were treated to half-full cups of coffee and half-size donuts served on half a napkin while balloons, halfway filled, added to the festivities.

Good Sam’s Annual Fund helps support direct services for clients in eastern and central Maine.

The adoption agency offers home studies, and placement and post-placement services for domestic and international adoptions, donations to the Annual Fund help provide a variety of services.

Good Sam also provides counseling and education for single parents; helps a parenting teen earn a high school diploma; and covers the cost of child care for a parent who is in school or working.

If you would like to make a contribution to this agency, you can do so by sending it to Good Samaritan’s Annual Fund, 100 Ridgewood Drive, Bangor 04401.

If you would like more information about the agency or its services, call 942-7211.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.