NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Nearly a month after Newport News Officer Katie Thyne's death, the Hampton Roads community is still working to pick up the pieces and help her loved ones.
That includes Cozzy's Comedy Club in Newport News, which is hosting a comedy fundraiser for Thyne's family.
The two-day comedy event organized by the Newport News Police Foundation and Kiwanis Club of Greater Hilton will collect money for Thyne's two-year-old daughter’s trust fund.
Officer Thyne died on Jan. 23 during a traffic stop. That’s when the 24 year-old Navy reservist was dragged by a car that crashed into a tree and pinned her.
She was laid to rest with full military honors in her hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts.
You can stop by the club starting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to donate to the fundraiser.
"It shouldn't just be for the people who live here. It should touch everyone,” said comedian Charlie Wiener.
Wiener said he’s taking the stage both nights, but this event is truly a way to help the community heal with laughter.
"Laughter is kind of the opposite of tears, but they both wash away, they both clean the emotion,” said Wiener.
Mostly, he is happy to know 100% of the proceeds go to Thyne’s daughter, Reagan.
"Someday [Reagan will] know that people cared. That they cared about her mother,” said Wiener.
Tickets cost $10 per person. Liz Rollins is emceeing the shows. She said Officer Thyne’s death hit home for her as a mother.
“It made me think wow, I mean none of us are promised tomorrow and when we leave at home in the morning and kiss our daughters goodbye, we certainly think we are going to come back home to them,” said Rollins.
Rollins hopes to sell out both nights, which means 120 people attending both nights. She said she believes having a comedy night fundraiser fits the way people remember Officer Thyne.
"She had the most infectious smile, to the point that it would make you almost laugh,” said Rollins.
If you're interested, head to the Hilton Shopping Center for some laughter and help make a difference in the life of a fallen officer's child.
For tickets, click here.