A local multiple sclerosis patient is closing in on his fundraising objectives, with a big event planned for April 14 to move him even closer to the finish line.

Robin Bates of Hayden has about $18,000 to go before he has enough money for a cutting-edge stem cell treatment that could undo years of damage done by MS. Bates' stem cell treatment is scheduled to take place in Mexico in May.

The benefit will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Seasons Fresh Bar and Grill, 209 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d'Alene. All proceeds from that day will support Bates as he enters the home stretch of his fundraising campaign.

“We’re really excited about it,” Seasons general manager Daniel Bentley said. “We’re marketing through social media and with a QR code on a flyer we hung in our window.”

Bates has also received an offer from an anonymous donor to match up to $10,000 of what is earned at the Seasons event.

“If you enjoy a night out of good food in a magical setting, you will be helping me make my stem cell dream a reality,” Bates said.

With the $10,000 match, Bates needs to make $9,120 in one night. Even if he gets a quarter of the way there, that leaves him about a month to reach the goal on his gofundme site.

As of Tuesday evening, Bates had raised $45,760 through donations. His original goal was to raise $50,000, but that amount has increased to $64,000 to accommodate for unforeseen costs around travel arrangements, medical expenses and treatment.