NILES — The night of Feb. 21, Steve Cabe remembers driving around Niles and viewing the devastation of the rising floodwaters.

As he was passing by neighborhoods near Island Park, he saw a distressed woman standing outside her flooded home. Cabe pulled over to make sure she was OK. The woman was clearly upset and told Cabe she had just lost everything in her basement. Cabe said the moment challenged him to find a way to help.    

“At that point, I realized how great of an effect the flood would have on some people and local businesses,” Cabe said. “It’s like a sack of bricks hit me and I knew I had to do something.”

Cabe, 24, of Niles, has traveled the country as a magician and while he said he knew he does not have the ability to build new homes or write flood victims a big check, he does have another trick up his sleeve.

To raise funds to help flood victims, Cabe will be hosting a Niles Gives Back event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at the Niles District Library, 620 E. Main St.

Those who attend will be able to view a 25- to 30-minute magic show and motivational speech put on by Cabe himself. In addition, the event will feature live music and a silent auction, with items donated by the South Bend Cubs, Scream Park, Outsmart Escape Rooms and On Base Productions, and gift cards for downtown shopping and a number of other prizes.

Proceeds from the event will support local charities that help flood victims, including the Niles Salvation Army.

People are also encouraged to bring food, diapers, infant clothing donations and monetary donations for the Niles Salvation Army and Pregnancy Care Center. Representatives from the charities will attend to collect donations for flood victims. 

Those who donate items to the cause will receive a free raffle ticket for a gifts drawing.

In addition to raising money, Cabe is hoping that the event will show those affected by the flood that the community of Niles is there to support them.

“While it might sound cliché, I think every little bit helps,” Cabe said. “But I also believe that the gesture of raising funds and giving back to those in need does more than contribute financially.”

Cabe said he believes the event has the power to unite the community during a trying time and that this is a quintessential goal.

As of Friday, Cabe said a number of local business owners and residents had offered to contribute to the cause. Cabe thanked Relevant Church pastor Muta Mwenya and Andrea Burns from the Niles District Library for helping him to spread the word about the event and connecting him with others to bring the event together.

Such support, Cabe said, really reveals Niles’ potential to help one another and be a great city to live.

“I think it is going to be a very uplifting event,” Cabe said. “We are building up the city — literally.”