On December 14, 2012, like so many, Erica Lafferty’s life was rocked. She lost her mom in a senseless act of violence. Now, over ten years later, Lafferty’s life is being rocked once more as she faces another personal battle: stage 2 primary orbital lymphoma and stage 0 cancer in her lymph nodes.

Due to the rarity and aggressive nature of her disease, Lafferty now needs help. Local Newtown business owners have answered the call and have set up a fundraiser to help her.

Laffs for Lafferty, a fundraising event, will be presented at Aquila’s Nest Vineyard, 56 Pole Bridge Road, on Wednesday, May 31. The fundraiser will include a comedy show by Annie Powell, who is also currently receiving treatment for cancer. There will be a raffle and silent auction as well.

Tickets are $50 and include one complimentary glass of wine and pizza courtesy of Newtown Pizza Palace. This is a 21+ only event.

Tickets can be purchased from Melanie at Julie Allen Bridals, 154 South Main Street in Newtown. They can be reserved by calling Melanie at 203-426-4378 and then paid for and picked up at Will Call. All tickets must be paid for in cash.

Doors open at 6 pm and the comedy show begins at 7.

Silent auction and raffle items include two gift certificates for a manicure and pedicure from Newtown Nail Spa, a gift basket from The Toy Tree, a $50 gift certificate to MarketPlace, a sterling silver necklace from Julie Allen Bridals, an inflatable hot tub, a Coach bag, a flat screen television, furnace cleaning/AC tune-up from Steven Ash, a $100 gift certificate to Sweet Dee’s Salon, and one family session from a local photographer.

Additional prizes are being added, so there will be even more of a selection by the night of the fundraiser.