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

This year, the announcement of the winner of the diamond will again have to wait until the evening of the event, but the beneficiaries of the event have already been determined … KIDS. With proceeds from the 2007 “One Night, One Diamond” fundraiser, five new “Intelligent” intravenous (I.V.) pumps will be purchased for the pediatrics department at Samaritan Medical Center. In keeping with the hospital’s ongoing patient safety initiatives, these technologically sophisticated pumps will be used to deliver intravenous medications to some of the hospital’s youngest patients.

At an approximate cost of $5,000 each, these new “Smart” IV pumps will take the place of the traditional IV pumps currently used throughout the facility. These pumps include software that verifies the medication and dosage that is being administered to the patient, which provides yet one more safety mechanism for medication administration. The pumps will also interface with Samaritan Medical Center’s electronic medication administration record to confirm both the medication and dosage prior to administration.

This year, event sponsors and participants will come together on Saturday, February 10 th to celebrate the fifth year of this annual Samaritan Auxiliary event to benefit healthcare services and programs at Samaritan Medical Center and Samaritan Keep Home. 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.

One Night, One Diamond is being held on Saturday, February 10 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 Kommand Performance. 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 February 1 st.