Ultrasound Initiative

01/14/2022

Council: 2851 - LIMESTONE

Project Description:

The Limestone Council 2851 spearheaded a project to help raise the funds to purchase and install 3 ultrasound units for the Pregnancy Care Centers of Aroostook County, 1 each for Fort Kent, Presque Isle and Houlton. It was estimated to $22,000 for each unit.

In June 2021, a private donor gave $35,000 toward the project. Then once the necessary paperwork got filed, it was determined that we did not have enough. In order to receive a match from the Supreme Council, $40,500 was needed. Then over the next few months, additional donations came in from Limestone ($1,500), Biddeford 12941 ($2,500), Gorham ($150) and the PCC ($1,350). By November, the $40,500 was raised.

IPSD Mark Bourgoin, Co-Chair of the Project was asked to speak at the Pregnancy Care Center Annual Fundraiser Banquet in both Caribou and Fort Kent regarding the ultrasound project (where over 150 attendees participated in the banquet). Brother Knights from all Councils in the County (Fort Kent, Madawaska, St. Agatha, Grand Isle, Van Buren, Limestone, Caribou, Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield) and the State LIFE Directors from Greenbush attended the banquet events.

At the Fort Kent event, a check for $40,500 was presented to Charlis Sullivan, Director of the Pregnancy Care Centers. About 2 weeks after the event, IPSD Bourgoin met with Charlis and presented her with three checks from the Supreme Council each valued at $13,500 (Total of $40,500) for the matching funds to purchase the three ultrasound units.

Madawaska Council 2638 has volunteered to purchase the 55 inch screen TV and wall munt for the Fort Kent Office and Presque Isle Council 2524 has volunteered to purchase the 55 inch screen TV and wall mount for the Presque Isle Office. Limestone Council 2851 will purchase the 55 inch screen TV and wall mount for the Houlton Office.

We sincerely thank everyone that assisted in getting these units purchased. There is a great need to have these ultrasound units in Aroostook County. Limestone Council 2851 continues to support all of the Pregnancy Care Centers of Aroostook County with necessary supplies and equipment