The Niles community came together Thursday night to honor the lives of two little girls who were killed in a tragic accident last week.

Juliana Brown, 9, and her half-sister, Sophia True, 6, died in the horrific car wreck Tuesday.

It happened at the corner of M-60 and Leet Rd. in Howard Twp, Michigan after police say the girls' babysitter blew a stop sign, sending the car into the path of an oncoming pick-up truck.

Their younger sister, Penelope True, 4, survived the crash and was last reported in critical condition at an area hospital.
Thursday night, dozens of folks came out to the Rise N' Shine Cafe in Niles to show their support for the victims and their loved ones.

The restaurant hosted an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner, with all of the proceeds going to the girls' family to help cover medical and funeral costs.

Organizers say they raised $12,000. They say the big turnout at the benefit was a sign of the incredible spirit of generosity in the community.

“We received a lot of donations from a lot of people. We are very grateful for that,” said . “Everybody here has volunteered. It’s crazy.”

Following the benefit, friends and family members remembered Sophia and Juliana at a prayer vigil outside the restaurant.