CANISTEO, N.Y. (WENY) -- Small communities are everything to one another, especially in a time of need. On Sunday afternoon, several people echoed the same sentiment at the Canisteo American Legion for a fundraiser event that benefits people impacted by August's flash flooding.
The Flood Victims of the Canisteo Valley benefit gathered people from all over the region to enjoy a day of fun and togetherness. The event held great importance as it continues the effort to help people whose properties fell victim to the remnants of Debby. In Steuben County, over 20 homes were destroyed on August 9.
Local musicians worked with veterans at the Legion to host the event. One of the Legion members, Joel Ordway, said the bands reached out to the Legion and offered their time, they just needed a location. It was a quick confirmation on their behalf since many community members are just looking to help.
"Living here, we see the flooding, we see the results of what happened and the damage and people having to get another mortgage late in life, you know, because of no insurance and such no flood insurance," said Ordway, the finance officer for the Canisteo American Legion. "That's what we're here for, you know. The veterans are here to help."
Raising money at the event started with a five-dollar entrance fee at the door. Guests could also enter raffles, buy food and baked goods, and more. Then, they were able to sit and enjoy the music. Several local bands played for free outside and inside as well. Guests were certainly kept entertained, several even getting up to dance.
"I was able to be a part of this benefit and kind of help out through some mutual connections and everything," said Jonathon VanName, one of the band members of Sweet Degenerates and Dirt Turtles. "And yeah, just got to play some music and show up for a good cause. I've had a lot of love and support from other people in hard times in the past, so it's nice to be able to kind of come and give something back to everybody else that needs something as well."
Throughout the recovery process, several fundraising events, like this one, have been held in the area. However, each one shows just how many people are willing and able to lend a helping hand wherever they can.
Governor Hochul previously made an appearance in Steuben County near heavily damaged houses in Canisteo. One of the houses on the property belonged to the Weaklands who lost everything in the natural disaster. To families like theirs, they say this means the world.
"It's everything for us right now," said William Weakland, one of the Canisteo flood damage victims. "We just had bad news after bad news, and the only time we get a little good news is when it's from our community or our family, because, at the end of the day, they're the ones that are taking care of us and helping us through all this, and they're going to be the reason why we get to build our next house, just because of our community and what they've donated to us. So this is pretty important to us, that they have this."
The recovery process continues for their family and many others. They say it's a day-by-day effort but they are thankful for the community support they have received.
For those still wanting to help but were unable to come to the benefit at Canisteo's American Legion on Sunday, the Legion is still accepting monetary donations for a few more weeks.
People can still bring checks to the Legion at 61 W Main St, Canisteo, NY 14823. Just be sure to put "flood relief" in the memo line.