Tip...

A checkbox "floats" on top of the sheet and does not occupy a cell. Although, when we use checkboxes we typically draw them to the dimensions of a cell(s).

So, instead of using another column for the linked cells just use the cells that the checkboxes cover.

In your case the linked cells would be C3:C17.

Set the font color to be the same as the fill color then the cells will appear to be empty.