Event to help fund ministry

For over 16 years, Paul Van Noy has watched Jeff Cheeseborough serve the youth and families of Kootenai County through the Juvenile Detention system as a mentor, counselor, chaplain and friend.

"His ministry is focused on the thousands of young people who have for one reason or another been incarcerated here in the county," he wrote.

Van Noy, pastor of Candlelight Christian Fellowship church, wants to help Cheeseborough do as much as possible for those young people.

A fundraising dinner is scheduled at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. It will include music and speakers, including Cheeseborough.

Proceeds will help Cheeseborough throughout 2013 and "will provide the salary supplemental Jeff needs to continue to do the wonderful work he has so diligently performed these 15 past years."

"For many years Jeff served as a contracted county chaplain. However, two years ago 75 percent of his funding was cut," Van Noy wrote.

"However, he still serves in the same capacity, demonstrating love and commitment to his calling."

Cheeseborough's work is effective, Van Noy said.

Since January of 1993, he has facilitated 4,653 groups, had 73,511 youth in attendance, and mentored 12,018 young men and women. He served a total of over 30,000 hours in an effort to assist the youth and families of our community.

Last year, Candlelight hosted a dinner fundraiser for Cheeseborough and raised enough money to supplement his income by just under $2,000 per month and pay down several medical bills.

"I believe we can do a better job this year," Van Noy wrote.

Tickets are $125.

Information:772-7755