Booster Club Seeks Donations for Auction
Mark “MJ” Mickens is taken off the field following his injury during the Sept. 4 game vs. Clover. (Photo/Ross Burton)
BLYTHEWOOD (Feb. 4, 2016) – It is the worst nightmare of any player, parent or coach – a debilitating injury that can end a season, terminate a career or alter a life forever. Sadly, that nightmare came true last fall.
On Sept. 4, during week three of the 2015 football season, Westwood High School’s Mark “MJ” Mickens was injured while making what appeared to be nothing more than a routine tackle in the Redhawks’ home game against Clover. But as Mickens was carted off the field by emergency responders, it quickly became evident that it had been anything but a routine play.
Mickens, a junior defensive back, suffered a traumatic neck fracture/dislocation that has left him a quadriplegic.
Mickens spent the better part of three months in the hospital, including an extended stay in ICU and long-term inpatient rehabilitation on top of his emergency surgery and numerous medical procedures. He has thus far made considerable strides, returning home the week of Thanksgiving. But his injuries have left him needing around-the-clock care, as well as specialized transportation and medical modifications to the Mickens’ home.
And all those things cost a great deal of money.
To help offset some of those expenses, the Redhawk Football Club is holding the Taste of the Town & Benefit Auction at Westwood High School on Saturday, March 5. Food will be available from local Blythewood vendors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the auction beginning at 3 p.m. The booster club has set a goal of $20,000 for the event, with all proceeds going directly to the Mickens family’s medical expenses.
In addition to coming out and enjoying the event, the Football Club is also asking the community to assist with donations.
The booster club is accepting cash donations, as well as assistance in construction of home modifications, donations of medical equipment and any new or gently used items that could be sold individually or as a set during the March 5 auction.
Examples of items for auction would include: gift certificates or coupons, vouchers for service, merchandise, sports memorabilia or tickets, collector’s items, antiques, etc. All donations and contributions are 501(c)3 tax deductible.
To donate, call 803-200-2689 or email [email protected].
For additional information about the March 5 event, current auction list or additional giving opportunities, visit www.gofundme.com/prayformark.
