Help the Mattress Man Get a New Scooter

If you’ve spent any time in Hendersonville the past few years, it’s safe to say you’ve run into Jose Case, a street performer who basically serves as a human billboard for various businesses around town. That’s him on the corner of Dana Road and Four Seasons Boulevard wearing a Statue of Liberty getup to promote Liberty Tax Service, waving to cars, dancing and doing whatever else it takes to give passing motorists a smile during their hectic day. He can also be found a couple miles away in front of Chick-fil-A wearing the cow suit, much to the delight of children. On Main Street, he strolls the sidewalks wearing a sandwich board for Nana’s Antiques, greeting locals and visitors alike and offering them a friendly hello.

When Lorrie Fernandez at the Arcade on Main discovered that Case rode his bicycle 12 miles - one way - from his Edneyville home to Hendersonville, she helped launch a crusade to get Case a quicker mode of transportation.

“One of the guys at Black Bear Coffee and I were talking about Jose when we saw him ride by, and we said what a shame it is he has to ride that bike. I mentioned he lives all the way out in Edneyville, and he has a 12-mile hike in and a 12-mile hike out every single day,” Fernandez said. “Last winter I stayed out in Edneyville, and I saw him walking through the ice cold with his bike.”

Fernandez said her friend at the coffee shop mentioned Case had a scooter, but it fell into disrepair. They decided two months ago to try and help Case get a new scooter and started asking people to donate. The effort has collected $500 thus far, almost halfway to the goal.

“We have a scooter available to us for $1,200,” she said. “We need another $700. We are a donation center here at 305 North Main, and people can leave a dollar, 50 cents, a 20, or write a check for $100, whatever. We’ll take whatever we can get.”

To help meet the $1,200 goal, Fernandez said Black Bear Coffee is hosting a December 4 benefit at 8pm. The event will feature various musicians, and proceeds will go to the scooter effort.

Fernandez said Case is an incredibly friendly person who has a natural way of making friends.

“He’s loved. People love him,” she said. “He has a Facebook page, the Hendersonville Mattress Man, that somebody else started, but now he’s the administrator for it, and he’s got like 2,300 fans on it. People make comments about how loved he is. He just has a really kind heart.”

People wishing to help can call Fernandez at 828-692-6090.

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