Friends of Char “the bus driver” and her husband Richard Knowlton and their daughter DJ, husband Lalo Garcia, and children Jake, Ethan, Ava and Sophia, invite the community, friends and family to dinner on Friday, June 1, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Lakeland Elementary, 616 Buckley St., Elk Rapids. 

The Bar-B-Q Dinner and Bake Sale will provide funds for the family during an extremely difficult time. DJ was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in March and is currently receiving radiation treatments five days a week in Traverse City and chemotherapy seven days a week. Both daughters, Ava and Sophia, attend school at Lakeland. Richard was just recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently seeking treatment. The Bar-B-Q and Bake Sale, which will be prepared and served by friends, will include burgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and wonderful bake sale sweets. Benefit donations for the dinner will be accepted at the door. Event will take place rain or shine, bring a lawn chair and blanket to watch the kids play on the playground! In case of rain, indoor seating will be available. To volunteer for the benefit, please contact Lori at 231-342-9189.
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Many children have experienced the dynamic enthusiasm and positive impact of Char as they rode her bus to school at Lakeland or Mill Creek Elementary or athletic sporting events from CMS and ERHS. Her cheering could be heard loud and clear for all ER sports teams! Please support this special family.  If you are unable to attend, and would like to donate, Fifth Third Bank, P.O. Box 812, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 is accepting donations with checks payable to: Char Knowlton.