Local attorneys and organizations will come together Saturday at the Columbus Bar Foundation's Annual Gala to celebrate 2009's successes in legal philanthropy and ensure the funding continues through 2010. The gala's theme this year is "A Fiesta of Fun."

Kathy Wiesman, director of publications for the Columbus Bar Association, said this year's entertainment will feature upbeat music and dancing, including performances by Clara Ramona, an internationally known flamenco performer and choreographer, and Alex Thomas and Danielle Moore, professional ballroom instructors and ballroom dancing competitors.

Frank Ray, president of the CBF, said the CBF Gala was established in 2002, and has since become the CBF's largest fundraising event. Ray said he expects this year's event to match last year's contributions - more than $40,000.

"One thing we are most pleased about is that, despite the current challenges that the legal community faces, as does the rest of the business community due to the economy, we can continue to benefit from the generosity of lawyers and law firms," Ray said, adding that this year's cost to hold the event is down from previous years.

"We've got no pricey entertainment. It's going to be low budget and a lot of fun."

All of the gala's proceeds help fund law-related philanthropic works of the Central Ohio legal community, Ray said. However, he added, this year's focus will be on access to justice programs that help provide legal services to poor or low-income Ohioans.

"This year, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, which provides legal services to the poor for civil and domestic matters, has faced a crisis in funding," Ray said. "Consistent with similar crises throughout the country and in other states' legal aid organizations, our legal aid organization has had to cut back on staff, which has dramatically lessened the ability for the Legal Aid Society to provide services."

As important as the dollars raised at the gala is the event's ability to socially engage attendees with one another, he added.

"This event provides an opportunity to enjoy one another in a social setting," Ray said.

Additionally, the gala helps educate attendees and guests about the CBF's mission, which encourages more people to get involved.

Marion Smithberger, executive director of the CBF, said nearly 240 attendees are expected to attend this year's gala, including legal aid professionals, law school faculty, county officials, attorneys, and friends and family of legal professionals. Although many of the same guests attend the gala each year, registration is open to the public, he said.

"The primary reason people come is to support the CBF and CBA, but what keeps people coming is the opportunity to see their friends. A lot of the core supporters of the CBF or CBA are in the room each year," Smithberger said.

"These are people who mostly have donated year in and year out. ...They know that this is a way, from a law firm or corporation standpoint, to give back to the community."

Smithberger said gala tickets are $250 for individuals or $400 for a couple. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, with cocktails to be served at 6:30 p.m. and the dinner and program set to begin at 7:45 p.m.