HOLLAND, Mich. — Family, friends, even complete strangers gathered inside the Bam! Ultimate Entertainment Center Saturday in support of Sheryl Keech.
Police say 53-year-old Gregory Alan Marsman, Keech's boyfriend of 10 years, poured acid on her face and chest. Marsman was charged with torture and home invasion. This was his third instance of domestic violence. He's being charged as an habitual offender and could face up to life in prison.
Bowling, laser tag, arcade games, 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction were all efforts to help family raise money to pay for medical bills and to fix damage done to Keech's home.
"I didn't think we were going to get anywhere near this, this is beyond anything I could of imagined," said Travis Eldridge, Keech's co-worker who helped organize the fundraiser.
"We want her coming out of this strong and not having any worries about her house, going bankrupt, we don't want to ever see that happen," said Marcie Nemith, Keech's daughter-in-law.
Keech remains blind and struggles to speak. She's also now wheelchair-bound after breaking her leg trying to get around.
"She's got a good attitude about it, she's just really worried bout not being able to see again," said Keith Nemith, Keech's son.
Complete strangers, even other victims of domestic abused showed their support.
"I had one guy that came in and said he heard me on the radio. He said his heart went out to her (Keech) and he handed me a pretty good amount of money. There was another woman told one of our helpers here that she had been a victim of domestic abuse and she wanted to help out the cause," Elridge said.
This fundraiser is one of what will likely be many to help get this family back on their feet.
"I'm so impressed with this community and all they've done. It just warms our heart. I never expected this much help," Keith said.
More than $5,000 was raised during Saturday's fundraiser.
A Go Fund Me page has been established to further assist family with costs.
