'GoFundMe' page for Chicago torture victim blasts past targeted $10k goal — way past it

Want proof 2017 is going to be a better year than 2016? Look no further than the reaction to a GoFundMe page created to raise money to help Austin, the mentally-challenged man who was victimized by four 18-year-olds in Chicago last week.

The effort initially set out to raise $10,000 on Austin's behalf. As of Sunday morning, nearly $120,000 was pledged by just over 4,000 people. The page has also been shared across social media platforms more than 27,000 times.

The campaign, titled, "Let's show the Chicago victim love," was launched on January 5, 2017 by Razor Sheldon of San Francisco, CA.

If you are interested in donating to the cause, yet are concerned about the legitimacy of the effort, NPR has verified the campaign's authenticity. According to the NPR story, "a public relations representative for GoFundMe says the website will be working with the campaign organizer to ensure all money raised reaches the victim."

Sheldon's latest update on the GoFundMe page for Austin includes a statement from the family of the victim. "Austin is a little sore and moving slowly, but he has been more alert and has been enjoying food again, as well as playing some video games with his brothers."

If you care to send Austin a note or a card, the family has established a post office box. Those wishing to send a gift to the young man should know his favorite sports team is the Chicago Bulls.

Austin

P.O. Box 641

Cary, Illinois 60013

TheBlaze has reached out to Sheldon for additional details on distribution of the funds and other questions. We will update this story after we speak with Mr. Sheldon.

What about the four people arrested in the torture of Austin? They have been charged with hate crimes and face a possible thirty years in prison. All four are currently being held without bail.

Keep up the good work 2017.