SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Like most Iowans, Tyler and Jessica Kamerman count friends and family among this summer's flood victims.

But unlike many of their fellow Hawkeyes, the couple had to watch last month's sandbagging efforts and the ongoing cleanup projects from afar.

"We're in L.A., so we just couldn't be there in person," explained Tyler, a Sioux Center native. "It was hard to watch and just do nothing."

So instead, tonight the pair will host a benefit concert and silent auction at a Santa Monica club. Iowa rockers the Nadas will headline the "Reach Out," topping off a night of entertainment by L.A.-based performers. All proceeds will go to the United Way of East Central Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

"We'd seen the pictures and talked to friends about the damage," said Jessica, who grew up in Villisca. "What's been amazing to me is that since we started organizing this (benefit), so many people have stepped up and wanted to help."

An artist and Iowa native living in North Hollywood donated some pieces for the event. Another California woman from Spencer, Iowa, tracked down the couple via Facebook and offered to volunteer at the benefit. Actor and former Cedar Rapids resident Ron Livingston, of "Office Space" and "Band of Brothers" fame, is donating possessions for the silent auction.

"Everyone we meet wants to do something to help," said Jessica.

The Kamermans hope to raise $5,000 for flood relief. The money will be used to help nonprofit health and human services agencies rebuild their organizations and better serve the expanding number of Iowans requesting their services.

"We've had an amazing outpouring of support," said Terry Bergen, director of marketing with the United Way of East Central Iowa. "We've had a lot of people, like this couple, who are former Iowans, call and see what they can do to help."

Contact Mary Stegmeir

at (319) 291-1482 or

mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.