Christian-based fundraiser on tap Sunday in West Leechburg

West Leechburg resident, author and tax collector Kevin Smith is hosting a Christian-based charitable dinner to help raise funds for the West Leechburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Smith will discuss his book, “God Discovery: How Science and Logic Reveal the Existence of God,” during the God Discovery Banquet on Sunday, Sept. 24 at the fire company’s recreation hall.

The attending can expect a three-course buffet dinner, live acoustic music by Wayne Shaffer of Latrobe, testimony from a beneficiary of the Light of Life Rescue Mission, and socialization.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the fire company and Light of Life Rescue Mission, which provides housing for the homeless and food to those in need in Allegheny County.

Gary Cline, fire department president, is grateful for any help in fundraising. The company has saved $200,000 toward a new fire truck and took out a loan to pay for the remainder of the nearly $650,000 price tag on a new Pierce pumper tanker.

“It’s well appreciated,” Cline said of Smith’s efforts.

Fire department officials said the old pumper, which was sold for $12,000 to a private buyer in Ohio, was more than 25 years old.

“We’re really supportive of Kevin’s support. It’s great. These things (fire trucks) are not cheap,” Deputy Chief David Golembiesky said.

The fire department expects delivery of the new tanker next summer.

Saturday’s event will include raffles, a 50/50 and a silent auction.

“I love this community, and I want to help,” Smith said. “Come have fun and be encouraged.”

During the banquet, Smith will present information on archaeology, science, Bible facts and prophecies from his book.

The event is open to all ages, and Smith encourages teenagers to attend.

“I want to encourage people. It’s the whole picture of life in terms of that there’s meaning to life and something bigger than ourselves,” Smith said. “Take comfort in knowing there’s a God there that really cares. He is real.”

Smith, a Western Pennsylvania native, earned degrees in chemistry and physics from Westminster College. He earned his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and has published more than a dozen scientific journal articles.

For a decade, he worked as a senior technical analyst at NASA’s technology transfer center at the University of Pittsburgh.

Smith has studied the Bible and the Christian faith in parallel with his professional endeavors and said he believes he has found how science and other evidence supports proof that there is a God.

“I’m excited to share with you all just a small glimpse of this evidence in the hope that it will be a blessing to you and will encourage you to have a relationship with God,” Smith said.

The event will last about three hours.

Colleen McKerley, development manager for Light of Life, thanked Smith for planning the fundraiser.

“We’re grateful for your ministry and support. We will have a representative on-site for the event on Sept. 25 to speak and help in any way,” McKerley said.