Dowell

It'll be an event C. Jennifer Dowell would likely approve of.

On Friday, Dowell will be remembered during a celebration of life event that will also serve as a fundraiser to raise funds for her funeral costs.

Nikki Coleman, a friend of Dowell and event organizer, hopes to raise at least $1,000 to cover Dowell's cremation cost.

"All the (additional) money will go to Access (York) and the YWCA," Coleman said.

Both organizations aim to end domestic violence and aid those who are victims, something Coleman and Dowell came to know first hand.

The celebration of life and fundraising event will be held at one of Dowell's favorite hangouts, the Wheelie Bar & Grill, 1033 N. George St. in North York, starting at 8 p.m. Admission is a $5 donation at the door but attendees can contribute more, Coleman said.

Domestic violence: Dowell was found dead in her Manchester Township home on June 8. Police said she had been dead at least 24 hours when she was found.

Her estranged boyfriend, Ross William Crawford, 40, of the 500 block of Harvest Drive in the township, is charged with Dowell's homicide. Crawford remains in York County Prison without bail.

On top of collecting money for Access-York and York YWCA, female items will also be collected for the organizations' shelters.

Attendees can donate items such as shampoo, hair conditioner, makeup and other feminine products, Coleman said.

Literature about domestic violence and resources offered by Access-York will be available during the event, said Community Education Director, Barbara Woodmansee.

"We are very pleased that she's (Coleman) being proactive, not only for the fundraising aspect but also for the awareness," Woodmansee said.

Bands: Attendees will receive food, such as hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken wings, during the event.

Throughout the night a number of local bands that are donating their time will provide entertainment, Coleman said.

The bands are Dog Pound, Partial Post, Disorderly Conduct and Piece of Me.

Piece of Me will hold an open jam session where attendees can play music along with the band.

Those are bands Dowell enjoyed hearing, Coleman said.

"Most of the band members know who she (Dowell) is," Coleman said.

For more information, call Wheelie Bar & Grill at 845-2983, or email Nikki Coleman, the event organizer, at gabbee77@aol.com.

- Reach Greg Gross at ggross@yorkdispatch.com.