NILES — Last week, Steve Cabe, 24, of Niles, helped to organize and host the Niles Give Back event in an effort to raise money and needed donations for victims of the historic flooding that took place in February.

More than 100 people visited the Niles District Library to attend on March 21 and donated food, clothing and monetary donations to the Niles Salvation Army and Pregnancy Care Center. In addition, Cabe, who is a professional magician, put on a magic show and gave a motivational speech.

“I was not really sure what to expect,” Cabe said. “I have put on events like this in the past and have had only a few people show up, so I was really encouraged to see more than 100 people.”

Due to support from local businesses, the event also obtained a number of items to use during a silent auction, including gift cards from downtown Niles businesses, items donated by the South Bend Cubs and more.

Cabe said the event raised about $1,700, including the value of the items that were donated for the silent auction.

Advantage Plumbing was among the local businesses that donated to the cause. Owner of the business, Jim Allen, said he knew that many people affected by the flooding needed new water heaters.

“We had gotten so many calls from people with flooded basements. That is when we started seeing the real devastation and we learned that insurance companies were not going to help them out,” Allen said. “The water heater it is a big part of your life, from doing laundry to taking showers and even cleaning up after the flood you need hot water.”

Allen had initially planned to donate one water heater to a flood victim, but then Cabe called to tell him that the woman who was supposed to receive the water heater had decided that she felt someone else needed the equipment more.

Cabe said that Wanda Middlebrook, of Niles, pulled him aside during the event to tell him that she wanted to give the water heater to Caroline (Gauthier) Clark, who she said she felt needed the water heater more.

“I was pretty surprised by that,” Cabe said. “That’s the sort of thing you hear about on the TV or in the newspaper, but you rarely ever experience it yourself.”

Cabe shared this news with Allen, who decided that he would donate a second water heater so that both women could replace theirs.

“I said, ‘I don’t feel right not giving her a water heater because of her generosity,’” Allen said. “It was a real nice thing to hear that other people are stepping up for their fellow Niles people.”

Allen said the water heaters cost about $500 each. He said one of the women is picking the water heater up this week and the second has yet to be arranged to be picked up. 

Reflecting on the event, Cabe said the moment was both heartwarming and inspiring.

“So, just because Wanda chose to put Caroline above herself, we now get to give away two water heaters,” Cabe said.