In Monday’s Butler Eagle, we learned that thousands of people came out to Sugarcreek Township Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday, Sept. 17, for a benefit for Mason Martin, the Karns City High School quarterback who collapsed on the field Sept. 1.

While organizers didn’t yet know how much money they’d raised, they had hundreds of raffle baskets and even more chicken dinners, and they hoped it would be a good gift for the family. That’s in addition to more than $85,000 raised so far from two GoFundMe campaigns.

Medical expenses for the family are mounting, making the money much needed. But events like Sunday’s are about more than just bringing in money, as important as that is.

They’re also about showing people going through difficult times that they aren’t alone. And Mason’s family needs to feel the support of the community right now.

In an update his parents, Denny and Stacey Martin, shared Saturday, Mason had some serious medical troubles last week that he fought through. But as his parents pointed out, there isn’t a linear path for healing or a known time line to recover from injuries like the 17-year-old is dealing with.

There have been positive signs, though, including Mason making purposeful movement with one of his arms.

Krista Ritzert, one of the organizers of Sunday’s event, said she was surprised by the number of people who came out.

“We thought there would be a lot but not like what we are looking at now,” she said.

Mason’s teammates, who also helped with the benefit, were surprised as well, and grateful to see so many people who wanted to help their friend.

Tate Beighley, one of Mason’s football teammates and a fellow senior, shared that the team prays for Mason before and after each game.

Sean Slaughtenhaupt, who also plays with Mason and is a sophomore at Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School, was glad to see the crowd at the benefit.

“It’s amazing to see people from other counties come and support Mason,” he said.

Events like this show both Mason’s family and his friends that they have a community of people behind them, and the organizers and volunteers who made that possible deserve thanks.

— JK