All these goodies and more will be included for the second annual "An Evening From the Heart" Ball and Silent Auction on Sept. 13 at Villa Ragusa, which is intended to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Special Olympics Silicon Valley.

Although the crowd will be more local this year—as opposed to the first ball, which was geared for vending-industry insiders—the intent will still be raising as much money as possible for needy causes that are important to the Aerts family.

"It sounds ridiculous, but we lost our dog last year, and he touched us so much. It saddened us so much and we wanted to do something in his memory," Alan Aerts says. "I've been in this business since I was 22 years old. I'm the grandfather in this industry, and I have the most connections, so I thought, 'How can I use this influence to raise money?' My wheels just started turning."

The answer came in a full-out function that benefited the American Diabetes Association and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

This year, however, Aerts wanted to expand the scope of the benefit and include two new charities. "We wanted to grow so no one would get a smaller piece of the pie," Aerts says. "And for us to grow, we had to open the event to the public. There will still be a lot of vendors, but more people this year."

Country station KRTY's Gary Scott Thomas will be the master of ceremonies, followed by guest speakers from each organization, including Joe Green, the recipient of a guide dog from last year's benefit.

Aerts explains that Green is the perfect example of why he is organizing the event. "He went blind later in life and didn't leave the house for five months. He thought his life was over. Now that he has the dog, he's told me the independence he has, has given him his life back," Aerts says. "This is so simple, it's a concept of community work. You come to dinner one night, bring one friend, and someone else will have a dog this year. These dogs are for life, and they aren't cheap." Guide dogs cost between $15,000 and $20,000; however, owners are guaranteed a dog throughout their life.

The organizations are equally touched by the donation. The American Diabetes Association will provide several staff members to help with the event, as it is a second-year recipient. "I think Alan certainly has a way of making things happen," says association representative Daneene Richards. "The association got a little over $15,000 last year. It's huge because these events can be so expensive, but he takes on all of the expenses and doesn't take out of the proceeds. It's an amazing amount of time and money to help pay for an event like this. He and Bonnie are amazing."

To counter the formality customary with fundraising galas, Aerts will have 10 guide puppies for guests to pet. "You have to be fun and creative with it," he says. "Normally you can't bother them or touch them while on duty, but all of the rules will be out of the window this night. I think they'll take the edge off of it, and make it a fun time."

And for those who dislike the tuxedo or coat-and-tie look, Aerts couldn't care less. "It's recommended, but if it's uncomfortable, leave it at home," he says. "I just want people to come and enjoy themselves."

Tickets for the event are $100 per person and can be purchased by calling 408.871.7000, ext. 2. Villa Ragusa is located at 35 South Second St., Campbell, 95008.