By MATT CHANDLER
Buffalo Law Journal

Two legal-aid organizations that started sharing office space last year are now sharing an anniversary party.

With both Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled or Disadvantaged of Western New York and the Volunteer Lawyers Project marking milestone anniversaries this year, the organizations will throw a joint Anniversary Gala Dec. 5 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

The VLP is marking 25 years of offering free legal services to people who cannot afford them, and LSED is celebrating its 30th anniversary of providing legal assistance to the elderly and disabled.

While the evening of cocktails, food and live entertainment will serve as a fundraiser for the organizations, LSED Executive Director Karen Nicolson says that isn't the primary reason for holding the event.

"The main focus is a celebration and a chance to thank all of the members of the bar who volunteer and contribute to our organizations throughout the year," she said.

VLP Managing Attorney and CEO Bob Elardo says the event is also a chance to raise awareness in the community of what both groups do.

"Statewide, groups like ours are only meeting 20 percent of the need that is out there, so I hope people get to see what we offer and see that, especially during this tough economic time, our services are needed more than ever for a growing number of people."

For more information, contact Christine Biggie at 847-0662, ext. 317, or cbiggie@wnylc.com.