MUSKEGON, Mich. (May 1, 2014) — As loved ones prepare to say goodbye to a murdered high school basketball star Marquis Gresham, two other schools challenged themselves to raise money for his family.
The girls softball team at Western Michigan Christian is playing Muskegon Catholic Central in a double-header Friday.
WMC’s coach, Jeff Nestell, told MLive the idea for a fundraiser started last week, when the school held a prayer vigil following Gresham’s death. Helping build Nestell’s idea, a family member dared him to take the Cold Water Challenge, which has people raise money or jump in frigid water.
So Coach Nestell came up with the final plan, and contacted Muskegon Catholic’s coach. He was on board as well. The final challenge: the players from both teams must raise a total of $1,000. If they do, the coaches have to jump into frigid cold waters of Lake Michigan after Friday’s games. If they fail, the girls have to jump.
Turns out, the girls of the Warriors and Crusaders teams immediately set out to each their goal and ended up surpassing it. The teams eventually brought in nearly $3,000, therefore making the coaches the ones to jump. All the money will go to help the Gresham family cover his funeral costs.
Visitation will be on Thursday, May 1 from 2 pm- 6 pm. It will be held Toombs Funeral Home, 2108 Peck Street, Muskegon Heights, MI.
The funeral is Friday, May 2at noon at Muskegon Heights High School Academy 2441 Sanford Street in Muskegon Heights.
The family is grateful for any donations. An account has been set up and checks should be made to the “Benefit for Marquis Gresham”. Donations should be dropped off at the Muskegon Heights High School Academy, 2441 Sanford St., Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
