By MATT CHANDLER
Buffalo Law Journal

The legal community will once again come together for an evening of food, drink and entertainment to support the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project Inc. and Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled and Disadvantaged of Western New York Inc. at their joint Champions for Justice Bash.

The event, the largest fundraiser of the year for both organizations, is scheduled for Thursday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Rich's Renaissance Atrium in Buffalo. In addition to an open premium bar and gourmet food stations, there will be entertainment by John & Mary and the Valkyries. Most important, says VLP Managing Attorney Bob Elardo, it will be a night of fun.

"We don't have a bunch of boring speeches," he said. "This is a night to have a good time and celebrate."

Elardo said in response to difficult economic conditions, the price of both tickets and sponsorships has been reduced this year in hopes of encouraging people to come out and continue to support two organizations that provide legal advice, counsel and referrals to the most vulnerable members of the community.

"Last year we netted $48,000," Elardo said of the group's first joint gala, held at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. That money was split evenly between the two organizations, and Elardo said it went directly to helping clients, whose numbers have been increasing in the wake of continued economic struggles.

"Not only are we seeing more people in need, but our federal funds are being reduced as well," he explained. For that reason, Elardo said he's counting on healthy turnout. "People can get tickets right up until the day after the event," he quipped.

Karen Nicolson, CEO of LSED, says the demand for services will continue to increase into the winter months, and funds from the gala will make a big impact on the agency's ability to meet that demand.

"Now more than ever, we need the continued support of the community to help our clients through these difficult times," she said.

For more information, call Christine Biggie at 847-0662, ext. 317.