Time to help Kevin

COEUR d'ALENE - Kevin Kram has always been there for the homeless.

For a decade, through Cherished Ones Ministries, the Rathdrum man has helped provide thousands of meals for those who might go hungry. He has sacrificed time with his family and his company, Kevin Kram Construction and Excavation, for the benefit of others.

Now, Kevin Kram could use a little help himself, and John Corcoran wants to be sure he gets it.

"We had to talk him into letting us give him a hand," said Corcoran, local Realtor and leader of ElderHelp of North Idaho. "He doesn't care about himself. He's just worried about getting food to these people."

But lately, Kram hasn't been able to do that. He hasn't been able to work, either. Instead, he's spending as much time as possible in Seattle with his wife, Dannette, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and needs a liver transplant.

Time for the community to step up for Kram, said Corcoran. The goal is to raise $10,000 or more "so all his time can be spent with his wife with no worries."

"This fundraiser will get him through these hard times so he doesn't lose everything he's worked his life for," according to a press release.

A Valentine-themed spaghetti dinner and silent auction is set for 3:30-6 p.m. Feb. 13 - which is the Krams' 30th anniversary - at the Cherished Ones soup kitchen, Second and Indiana. There will also be a 50-50 drawing. Tickets are $10, in advance, $15 at the door.

Organizers are hoping for at least 200 people.

Another event is in the works, too. This one calls for men to sleep outside on Feb. 19 - if they don't raise $1,000 for the Kram benefit. Kootenai County Commissioner Todd Tondee has taken on the challenge.

"Whatever we can do to raise money for this guy," Corcoran said. "We're trying to make his life a little better."

Kram has spent about 15-20 hours a week volunteering to lead Cherished Ones. In the past two years, Cherished Ones has provided more than 20,000 meals. Over the years, the nonprofit has moved several time before finally finding a new home near downtown Coeur d'Alene.

"What really brings me great joy in this, people are served," Kram told The Press. "I believe we're doing what we're supposed to be doing as far as helping our neighbors and our community."

Howard Martinson, executive director of Fresh Start in Coeur d'Alene, said Kram has had a huge impact in assisting the homeless population in Kootenai County.

"He puts his good efforts behind his good heart," Martinson said. "He's a terrific guy."

Dinner tickets are available at 221 Sherman Ave., or call Corcoran at 929-9292.