Rise N Shine Cafe in Niles raised more than $12,000 during Thursday’s benefit for the family of three Niles sisters who were involved in a fatal crash Sept. 11 in Howard Township.

Kari Smith, co-owner of the Howard Township restaurant, said the response was overwhelming.

“So many people were just showing up wanting to help. Cars were lined up and down the road; the fire department was here; people were showing up at the back door,” she said. “It was amazing the way the community pulled together in a short time.”

All of the proceeds go to the family of Julianna Brown, 9, Sophia True, 6, and Penelope True, 4. Julianna and Sophia died from injuries sustained in the crash, while Penelope is still recovering from her injuries.

Smith said Rise N Shine sold about $6,000 worth of spaghetti, generated around $4,000 from the silent auction and received approximately $2,000 in donation jars.

Smith said the father of the victims, Kirk True, came to the benefit.

“That was really nice. We didn’t expect him to be here, but he stayed the whole time,” Smith said. “He made it clearly obvious that he was very grateful and appreciative and thanked us many times.”