Lithia-Bevis MOMS Club to Host Comedy Night Benefit

It's a disease that doesn't get much press.

"People hear a lot about Multiple Sclerosis in adults, but you don't hear much about Multiple Sclerosis in kids," said Terri Fischer of Lithia.

However, she and a group of fellow moms from the MOMS Club of Lithia-Bevis had the opportunity to see the ravages of the disease firsthand.

"We do the MS bike ride every year from Lake Wales to Orlando and back," said Fischer. "And during the last ride, there was a child with Pediatric MS who was a guest speaker. It really tugged at our heartstrings. Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis isn't all that common but it's pretty devastating."

As a result, the MOMS Club decided to host a comedy night benefit to raise funds specifically for Pediatric MS.

The FishHawk Comedy Night will take place Feb. 9 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Palmetto Club, 17004 Dorman Rd., in FishHawk Ranch.

The evening will feature the comedy of nationally known comedians Jim Frederick of Boca Raton and hypnotist Doug MacCraw, who performs at Universal Studios in Orlando. Stephanie Roberts of ABC Action News This Morning will be the celebrity guest emcee.

In addition, attendees will be treated to a gourmet dinner provided by Puff 'n Stuff Catering, featuring pan-seared chicken marsala, penna alla vodka, a tossed green salad with viniagrette dressing, seasonal vegetables and, for dessert, dulce de leche cheesecake.

Tickets are $75 per couple, $40 for singles and $300 for a table of eight. A cash bar will be available as well as a 50/50 raffle.

"We did this three years ago to raise funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which raised money for children of fallen soldiers, but we took a break because of the economy," said Fischer, who is co-chairing the event.

"It should be a great evening," she said. "It’s something different. There’s a lot of bunco, teas and fundraisers catered to women but this is kind of a date night."

Fischer said the club already has sold 150 tickets and hopes to sell 250.

"I'll be ecstatic if we get 200 people there," she said, adding that the event takes place on a Thursday night but the following days the kids are off school because its Florida State Fair Day for students.

"It should be a fun event for a good cause," said Fischer.

Event sponsors include Absolut Vodka, Busciglio Orthodontics and Cupcake Vineyards.

For tickets, visit http://fishhawkcomedynight.com/.