An auction to raise funds for a mentally challenged man, beaten near to death, is being held online as well as during The Shelbyville Open Horse Show on July 28. The show is located at Clearview Farm, 2291 Hwy 231 South in Shelbyville, Tenn. Click Here for more information regarding the horse show. Thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, has been donated.

Mike worked for a walking horse farm. He is a grown man whose mind never developed past that of a child, and his duties were simple: cleaning and brushing horses, small chores around the farm. He was proud to be self-sufficient. He smiled the entire time he was at work. He prized procession,  a used bicycle, was his ride to work from his own apartment.

Someone in Mike’s neighborhood attempted to rob Mike at knifepoint. He did not understand he was supposed to be afraid, but he did understand he should call the police, which he did. To retaliate, family members of the robber knocked on Mike’s door late one night. Completely unaware, Mike answered the knock – and was beaten. Someone stomped his face in. Mike’s eye came out of the socket. Practically every bone in his body was broken. Internal injuries were numerous. He was lucky to live through the attack. He was airlifted to a hospital. Mike is in the hospital for an unknown amount of time; his face will have to be completely reconstructed. When he was able to form words, the first words he could speak were wondering about his job and the horses.

Beginning Wednesday, July 25 an online auction is being held to raise funds for his medical care. The items include autographed photograph and CD personally signed by singer George Strait and celebrity-worn jewelry. Local celebrity artist Billie Nipper has also donated her work. 
Click Here to participate in the online auction.

A special account has been set up for donations for Mike’s care: Bank of Walterboro, P.O. Box 1707 Walterboro, SC 29488 Attn: mike G. account.