Each year, the Get Involved Gala - better known as GIG - kicks up its heels and puts on one of T-town's finest parties. Dress to the nines and help raise funds for United Way of Pierce County. Do you think you could do better for a night out? Yeah, I didn't think so.

This year's theme is 253Love, which means all things local and awesome. There will even be a few local celebrities, including Rhubarb and the Sonics Guy.

"The GIG is a fun night out. It's a great opportunity to come out with your friends, mingle and meet new people," says GIG co-chair Brittany Ellsworth. "The majority of the attendees are young professionals in the area, so it's a very dynamic mix of people."

While you mingle to the max, enjoy Top 40, '80s and '90s music spun by a DJ. Bar services by The Mix and Cork Wine Bar ensure libations for all, and Neighborhood Bistro will provide delicious local food. Dress is cocktail attire, which means button-up shirts and ties for men and dresses for women, but the event loves to encourage people to go full-on fancy and formal.

A raffle with more than 80 prizes adds an extra dimension of fun - come for the socializing and perhaps leave with a trip to Cerritos Surf Colony in Cabo worth $3,000. Other raffle prizes help celebrate the 253 Love - a tasting party for 20 at 2bar Spirits in Seattle, a package that has a bit of everything from Rainiers gear to Lynnae's Gourmet Pickles, and a chance to sit in on the BJ Shea morning Show at KISW.

Tickets not only get you entry, but some swag too. You'll get a beer, free parking, and a gift bag including a reusable shopping tote, mini bottle of vodka and cookies.

But behind all the good times is an important cause. All proceeds go straight to United Way of Pierce County and stay local.

"All the money will go to the Community Solutions Fund at United Way," says Ellsworth. "This fund supports over 100 agencies in the Pierce County area such as the Boys and Girls Club, YWCA and HopeSparks. These programs and organizations support early childhood education, emergency services and basic needs. The support given through the Community Solutions Fund is very important to all of these organizations and helps them keep their services available."

GET INVOLED GALA, 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, Foss Waterway Seaport, 705 Dock St., Tacoma, $35-$40, $65 couple, brownpapertickets.com