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Benefit held for murder victim’s two sons

Posted at 9:55 PM, Nov 22, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-22 23:21:50-05

SAUGATUCK, Mich. — A family and community continues to mourn the loss of 31-year-old Melissa Moore, who was shot and killed in Grand Rapids earlier this month.

Jermaine Cooper (Photo from Grand Rapids Police Department)

Jermaine Cooper (Photo from Grand Rapids Police Department)

Her suspected killer, 35-year-old Jermaine Cooper, is still on the run.

Moore was a mother of two boys and a bartender at Coral Gables in Saugatuck.

Sunday night, Coral Gables held a fundraiser to raise money for the memorial trust set up in support of Moore's two sons, J.B., 15, and Donivan, 11.

Sunday's event included live entertainment, a live auction and silent auction, including sports memorabilia, jewelry from local artists, gift certificates, boutique items, candy baskets and more.

"I'm just so happy so many people care the way the rest of us do," said Melissa Moore's aunt, Nancy Durfee, who describes Moore as independent, generous and a mother who would do anything for her kids.

"I mean she touched everybody she talked to, doesn’t matter if they came here from Chicago on a boat, doesn’t matter where they came from she touched everybody," she said.

Hundreds, made it out to Coral Gables Sunday night supporting Moore's two boys who are now growing up without their mom.

"She's so special. No one will ever forget about her," said Erin Hambright, Moore's former co-worker.

All proceeds from Sunday's event went directly to the Melissa Moore Memorial Trust, at last check, over $15,000 was raised.

Donations can be made out to the Melissa Moore Memorial Trust and mailed to Coral Gables with attention to Theresa Lee, or you can donate here.

Their address is 220 Water St, PO Box 129, Saugatuck, MI 49453.

If you know where Cooper is, call silent observer at  (616) 774-2345.