Funds raised to help with medical expenses for Eli Cavender, the diner’s grill cook

On Sept. 4, 2024, owners of Hot Rods Diner Greg and Lisa Cavender’s 25-year-old son, Eli, suffered a cerebral aneurysm and brain bleed caused by an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). He was rushed to Morgan Memorial Hospital in Madison, GA, then life-flighted to St. Mary’s Neuro Critical Care Unit in Athens. After undergoing successful craniotomy surgery to remove the aneurysm, he was discharged to return home to continue what is expected to be several months of recovery.

Eli was the main grill cook at his family’s restaurant but will not be able to return to work for several months. Also, he did not have health insurance so while the medical bills pile up, so also will his other bills.

The community rallied round the Cavender family and the restaurant when they had to shut down on a moment’s notice several times due to his ongoing medical condition. And the community is stepping up again to help raise funds for Eli and his family in their ongoing time of need. There will be a car show and live entertainment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.

Barrow County Cruisers is hosting the benefit Car Show for Eli. There also will be live entertainment with Elvis impersonator Doug Jones and Hootie Q Barbecue will be on site to with food. The diner opens at 11 a.m. The event promises great food, live music, awesome cars and trucks, door prizes and giveaways, free balloons for the kids, and much more.

The cost of registration is $20 – 50/50, Top Ten, Best in Show, Best in Class, People’s Choice and Eli’s Choice.

Hot Rods Diner is located at 294 N Cherokee Road in Social Circle. Outdoor seating is limited so bring your own lawn chairs.