The West Point community will be holding a fundraiser for Cassandra Hutchinson on Sunday. Hutchinson is currently unresponsive, the result of a seizure she suffered in June, more than a month ago. Because she was a part of the West Point community and has left an impact on her family and friends by her hospitable and congenial demeanor, people are banding together in order to raise money to offset the medical costs that have accrued, both to her and her family.

By doing this, these people are perfectly personifying not only the strength of community, but that of the Greater Valley Area specifically.

Like the entire area, these people are joining together for a cause they believe in. By doing something as simple as selling barbecue plates, the group led by Shirley Bailey — Hutchinson’s cousin — is making the lives of those affected by her illness easier, and they are doing it for no other reason than because they feel it is the right thing to do.

This selfless act should be an inspiration to everyone. This outpouring of care in a very real and tangible way should be the model for all of us, acting as a lesson that we shouldn’t help others only when it’s convenient, but whenever we can because we can.

According to Bailey, Ms. Hutchinson’s condition is still uncertain, but the fact that she is cared for and loved is unquestionable, thanks to the community involvement in her life. Our whole area community should take note.