Watertown, New York ----- Year after year, the Samaritan Auxiliary’s largest fundraiser, “One Night, One Diamond,” supports the purchase of state-of-the-art medical equipment for Samaritan Medical Center. Though different equipment is purchased each year, one fact remains the same: each and every item is essential to helping Samaritan Medical Center fulfill its mission of providing high quality, comprehensive, safe and compassionate healthcare services to the military and civilian community.

In 2006, the purchase of two new pieces of equipment was made possible. A major donation of $19,500 from DealMaker Auto Group purchased a Neoprobe gamma detection device. Additional proceeds from the event were used to purchase a Mammotome Breast Biopsy System. Both pieces of equipment are now being used at SMC to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment.

In 2007, funds raised during “One Night, One Diamond” purchased five new “intelligent” intravenous (I.V.) pumps for the pediatrics department at SMC, which deliver intravenous medication to some of the hospital’s youngest patients.

This year’s event continues the Samaritan Auxiliary’s tradition of giving and supporting the programs and services at Samaritan Medical Center and Samaritan Keep Home. Proceeds will be used to purchase an Olympus Video Colonoscope for SMC’s Outpatient Procedures Unit. At a cost of approximately $30,000, this equipment combines superb image quality with ultra-slim Innoflex technology that will enhance SMC’s ability to provide colon cancer screening to North Country residents.

“Colon cancer is one of the most curable types of cancer, if it is diagnosed early,” explains Irene Carman, Planning Committee Co-chair. “Colonoscopy is a procedure that offers the best chance to detect and prevent colon cancer. This equipment will be used to perform some of the over 3,000 colonoscopies that are performed by the general surgeons and gastroenterologists at Samaritan Medical Center every year, helping to ensure early detection and save lives.”

The Commons at Fort Drum is the setting for an elegant evening of dining, dancing, and a chance to win an exquisite half-carat diamond donated by Waterbury Fine Jewelers. During the event, each couple is given one chance to choose a real diamond from among the cubic zirconia. DealMaker Auto Group is the Presenting Sponsor for “One Night, One Diamond,” and the Diamond Sponsors are Hancock & Estabrook, LLP and Renzi Foodservice. The event receives additional support from numerous other sponsors at the Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire levels.

One Night, One Diamond is being held on Saturday, March 29 th from 6:30 – 11 p.m. at The Commons at Fort Drum. Tickets are $130 per couple, which includes dinner, dancing and an opportunity to select the real diamond. Music will be provided by Bye George. For more information, to make a donation, or to receive an invitation to the event, please contact Jane Schmitt at 785-4479 or 785-9127. Responses are requested by March 21 st.