The bachata is a big turn from Keller Williams<\/a> Realtor Carrie Ley\u2019s normal style of dance and her professional life. <\/p>\n After all \u2013<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a belly dancer, which I started as an adult. I dance locally with a couple of troupes,\u00a0and I also do hula, so I really love performing,\u201d Ley said. \u00a0<\/p>\n But the moment she learned about the competition\u2019s cause, her dedication was no question.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s for a really good cause,\u00a0providing legal aid for people\u00a0who couldn’t afford it otherwise,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n That mission is the driving force behind the Legal Services of North Florida, Inc.’s annual fundraiser.\u00a0<\/p>\n The competition raises funds to keep these services free.<\/p>\n \u201cWe represent people in our community who really need it, and we help to break down those legal barriers\u00a0that they often face, especially when they’re dealing with pretty basic legal needs,\u201d Director of Philanthropy Jennifer Geeker said.<\/p>\n About 20,000 people seek their help per year across the Big Bend.<\/p>\n In 2024, they\u2019ve handled about 7,438 cases in family law, veterans\u2019 assistance, housing\u00a0and even domestic violence.<\/p>\n \u201cThe two biggest areas we see right now\u00a0are family law and\u00a0housing, so oftentimes, when clients come to us,\u00a0they are experiencing some of the worst days of their lives,\u201d Geeker said. \u00a0<\/p>\n Seven local dancers are set to take the stage, hoping to use their community connections to encourage donations.<\/p>\n Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. <\/p>\n Seven dancers will compete in the Dancing with the Stars Tallahassee competition this year. The competition will be on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium’s Grande Ballroom. <\/p>\n So far, the event has raised more than $60,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. hopes to raise $100,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAll of the money that we raise at Dancing with the Stars\u00a0comes back, and we’re able to serve our community\u00a0in more ways and better ways,\u201d Geeker said.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully, my dancing will be better\u00a0than my fundraising skills,\u201d Ley said.<\/p>\n As Ley continues to rehearse, she\u2019s hoping to put on the performance of a lifetime.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s been very challenging for me because I have like some dance experience. It’s just like solo, so I was new to partner dancing,\u201d Ley said. \u201cIt’s been fun, but apparently, I was a really bad lead in the beginning, but I think I’ve improved some.\u201d<\/p>\n Ley is set to compete against the other dancers this Thursday in Doak Campbell Stadium\u2019s Grande Ballroom at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n The Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. will be collecting donations through the competition.\u00a0<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n