Evening Of Comedy To Honor Newtown Resident Battling ALS

NEWTOWN, CT— From HARK ALS: HARK ALS is partnering with friends and family of Newtown resident Laurena McCarthy to host an evening of comedy to celebrate and support her and her family as she faces advanced stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The event will be held on Saturday evening, June 15 from 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, 165 Main Street in Danbury. The event is open to the community.

Laurena McCarthy is a long-time resident of Newtown, where she lives with her husband Bill and two of their three sons ages 12 and 23. She taught in the Danbury school system for over 20 years. During summer breaks, Laurena founded and ran multiple camps including a farm camp for underprivileged inner-city children and a science camp in New Milford. In 2017, after experiencing weakness in one of her arms Laurena was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

The evening will feature a short film, followed by three comedians: Dave Reilly, Comedian and Master Improv, who has appeared on national and cable TV; A.J. Mann from the Chaz and A.J. morning radio show (station 99.1 PLR); and Artie D.B. Light fare, cash bar, silent auctions and raffles prizes will be offered throughout the evening. The proceeds from the event will go towards costly ALS-related expenses for the McCarthy family, including handicap-accessible home renovations, a wheelchair accessible van and medical equipment and supplies.

Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door at https://livelovelaughlaurena.eventbrite.com. Donations of cash or raffle prizes from individuals and local businesses will be gratefully accepted. Corporate sponsorships are available at the diamond ($1,000), gold ($600) and silver ($300) levels. For more information, please contact harkals.ct@gmail.com.

Hark-ALS is a recognized 501( c) 3 charitable organization that raises awareness about ALS and assists families with the catastrophic financial burden of this horrific terminal disease. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. To learn more about Hark-ALS, please visit www.hark-als.org.