SANDPOINT - A fundraising benefit and auction is being held Friday to aid Chuck Reeves, a Sagle man diagnosed with cancer.

The event is being held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Reeves was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer about two years ago and has been undergoing treatments ever since. The cancer spread to his lungs and liver, which sidelined Reeves from his job as an auto mechanic and painter.

"We're still very hopeful. Hopefully he can gain some strength and kind of get through this rough patch," said Vickie Thompson, a family friend who helped organize the benefit.

Thompson said Reeves hopes to make an appearance at the benefit.

The fundraiser will help defray Reeves' mounting medical costs and his family's travel expenses for taking him to and from Spokane for treatment.

"There's just a huge burden on the family, too, trying to make ends meet," Thompson said.

Auction items include a one-week stay at Pend Oreille Shores, a weekend getaway on the Pend Oreille River, a round of golf for four at The Coeur d'Alene Resort and tickets to the Festival at Sandpoint. Other items include a front suspension snowmobile kit from Timbersled, a Savage Axis 30-06 rifle with a scope and meals at local restaurants.

Reeves operated Quality Collision Repair and recently worked at Alpine Motors. Thompson said Reeves' paint work on classic cars has garnered awards and admirers on vehicles shown during the annual Lost in the '50s celebration.

"He's a very talented painter. He's one of those guys that never charges enough for his work," said Thompson.