Friends and neighbors of the David Smalley family of Drew Plantation are hosting a fund-raiser for the victims of a fire that destroyed their home and business last month.

Neither the 11-member family home nor the Smalleys’ toy-making business was insured, and it will take about $150,000 for them to rebuild.

Liz Rollins of Drew Plantation and Prentiss residents Hannah Glidden and Kim Glidden are heading the committee planning a benefit dinner and concert for the Smalleys beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, in the Springfield gymnasium.

Admission is by donation.

“We are asking people to bring a potluck dish or sweets,” Rollins said.

“We will provide coffee, and McDonald’s of Lincoln is providing orange punch.”

Rollins said planners have “many, many nice items” they will be raffling, and the live music will feature 18-year-old Jacob Smalley, “who will harmonize with his mother,” Susan Smalley.

“Anybody who wants to come and play is more than welcome,” Rollins said, while urging all who wish to “wear cowboy hats and cowboy boots.”

Among the raffle items are a new L.L. Bean vest, $75 worth of services from D&R Meat Cutting of Drew Plantation, and Montana-made women’s jewelry that would appeal to any Western rider.

Donations for the raffle are still being gratefully accepted, Rollins said.

To learn how you can help either by making a raffle donation or in some other way, call Rollins at 456-7522, Hannah Glidden at 765-3007 or Kim Glidden at 765-2001.

Today is the kickoff for the Health Services Foundation fourth annual Diamond Raffle.

Funds raised benefit the work of the organization in its support of quality health care for nonprofit providers in Southern Aroostook, Northern Penobscot and Northern Washington counties.

Jeweler-gemologist Walter Goodrich of Goodrich Jewelry in Houlton works with the raffle committee which this year is offering not just one prize, but three.

The winner receives a custom bezel set, 2-carat center oval and two side rounds diamond ring totaling 1.5 carats valued at $8,000.

The second winner receives a 14-carat gold diamond pendant, and the third winner a sterling silver hot diamond bracelet.

Only 850 tickets will be sold at $20 each, and the drawing is noon Monday, Feb. 14, at the Courtyard Cafe in Houlton.

A great idea for stocking stuffers, raffle tickets are available at Goodrich Jewelry on North Road in Houlton, where the diamonds are on display; Aroostook Milling, F.A. Peabody Company in Houlton and its branch offices; and the HSF office and Houlton Regional Hospital gift shop, both located in the hospital.

You can also purchase tickets from HSF committee members.

For information about HSF, its projects, programs or this fund-raiser, call 532-2900, ext. 147 or 403.

This event should be particularly meaningful to many people during the holidays.

Ila Dean reports that the Widowed Persons group will meet at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at Countryside Restaurant in Corinth.

You are asked to bring a wrapped Christmas gift for exchange, and she welcomed all widowed individuals from all areas are welcome to attend.

For information about this group, call Dean at 965-9511.

Here’s another shopping tip that will appeal to weary male shoppers and help ill children as well, from Jill Reynolds of Eastern Maine Charities.

Day’s Jewelers and Bangor Motor Sports invite area gentlemen to “Gent’s Night,” 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at Day’s in the Bangor Mall.

A $25 discount will be offered on any purchase of $200 or more.

A percentage of all sales, during that time, will benefit Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine HealthCare Systems.

Also during those hours, a Honda XR50 children’s dirt bike, valued at $1,300, will be given away. Tickets are $10, and all proceeds benefit CMN.

Day’s staff also wants readers to know women are welcome to visit, in advance, and fill out a wish list, or attend that evening.

More information can be obtained by calling 990-0351 or visiting www.daysjewelers.com.

The public is invited to attend the lighting ceremony of the Lights of Hope Tree at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at CancerCare of Maine.

The tree is near the Webber West building at Eastern Maine Medical Center on State Street in Bangor.

Lights to honor or remember a loved one can be purchased by calling Eastern Maine Charities at 973-5055.

Light colors and prices are white, $10; red, $25; green, $50; blue, $100; orange, $250 and purple, $500.

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