NORWICH – In a combined effort with local diabetes education advocates, the Norwich Family YMCA has created a program – “Taking a Shot at Diabetes” – to benefit community education, program scholarships, and to support families that have been affected by diabetes.

Program organizers have created a fundraising event that will feature a buffet-style dinner and a comedy night. The event will take place at 6 p.m. March 28 at the Canasawacta County Club in Norwich. The cost to attend both the dinner and the comedy night are $50. For those who wish to forgo the meal and just enjoy the laughs, tickets are only $25.

Headlining the evening is comedian Moody McCarthy with an opening act. McCarthy has appeared on the David Letterman show and toured extensively throughout the United States. His witty stage performances, including jokes about everyday life, are guaranteed to have the audience in stitches.

“Diabetes has personally affected my life as my family and I lost my mother due to complications caused by diabetes,” said program supporter Terry Potter. “It’s been about two and a half years and I think about her daily and miss her very much. I’m hoping our efforts will bring some level of awareness to people of all ages and, at the same time, a level of comfort and hope to people battling diabetes to let them know they are not alone. My mother spent 40 years serving people in this community at Chenango Memorial Hospital and in some ways, I hope this event will help continue to be an extension of her legacy and service to the community.”

Potter said that the goal of the event is also to raise funds to help send local children to Camp Aspire – an American Diabetes Association camp serving 200 youth with Diabetes. Money raised from the event will also help kick-start an educational program at the Norwich YMCA that focuses on Diabetes. Norwich Family YMCA Executive Director James Mullen said, “The YMCA is excited to be working with a dedicated group of community volunteers and leaders to provide, educate, and support programming and initiatives regarding diabetes prevention and awareness within our community.”