Fundraiser Saturday for child of man killed in Cd'A

A breakfast fundraiser to benefit the young daughter of Jeffrey Marfice, who was killed recently in downtown Coeur d’Alene, will be held Saturday, July 22, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Applebee’s in Coeur d’Alene.

Bailey Nicholas will be greeting guests at the door. She turned 6 the day her “Daddy Jeff” died.

Breakfast tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the door or by contacting event organizer Kristina Nicholas Anderson at hiddengnomeranch@gmail.com or by calling 208-762-9890.

Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and a choice of orange juice or coffee. Proceeds will go to help with young Bailey’s immediate needs.

Marfice, 29, died following an altercation in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Tyler Finlay, 21, of Rathdrum is accused of punching Marfice, who reportedly fell onto the sidewalk, sustaining a head injury. Finlay is charged with voluntary manslaughter. The judge set a $250,000 bond, and Finlay bonded out June 20. The case is moving through the judicial process. No trial date has been set.

“Marfice and Bailey had just started working on science experiments together. They had a trip to Build-A-Bear planned and he had promised her a peacock for her birthday,” said a news release announcing the fundraiser. “While making him a Father’s Day card in the intensive care unit, Bailey said, ‘Daddy Jeff just bought all the stuff for our science experiments’ as though that purchase should forbid him from dying. She is still daydreaming of that peacock.”

Bailey’s mother, Lauren Richards, said they are trying to make things as normal as they can for the little girl.

“Unfortunately, some things will be changing due to the unforeseen circumstances. The fundraising is helping make that transition a little smoother for Bailey. We appreciate all who continue to help,” Richards said.

For those unable to attend the breakfast and desire to help, a GoFundMe account titled, “Help Support Bailey…Jeff Marfice” has been set up specifically for Bailey.