May 19, 2011

Saturday, May 28 the Blue Moon Diner will be filled with screams and yells as the Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers roll up their sleeves and arm wrestle for a cause.

"I describe CLAW to people as a burlesque show/circus/riot. It is like WWF but with estrogen," said Tara Hodges of the Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers, CLAW.

CLAW was created with the mission of empowering all women and strengthening communities through theater, arm wrestling, and philanthropy. The group puts on arm wrestling events to raise money for local non-profits. May 28, the proceeds will go towards the Fertile Foundation. The Charlottesville organization works to offer opportunities for individuals with special needs to connect with nature, animals, and their community.

"I take participants out to local farms, and they get to connect with their local food source by doing farm chores and learn about agriculture and communicate with nature and the animals on the farm," said Hodges.

As the members of CLAW are preparing for Saturday's event, CBS19's Dan Schutte decided to give arm wrestling a try himself. It turned out to be more difficult than he thought.

"There is a lot of showmanship and carrying on that goes on as well, and having a good time and making sure the audience is involved and having a good time as well," explained Maisie Osteen of CLAW.

Saturday's event, the CLAWney Island Freak Show, will begin at 8 p.m. at the Blue Moon Diner.