March 7, 2005

Annual Chamber Dinner honors Campbell’s Champions

By Jennifer Robertson
Staff Writer

Custom Vending Systems was honored as 2004 Business-of-the-Year and Tom Francois was honored as Citizen-of-the-Year at this year’s festive Celebrate Campbell dinner held at downtown Campbell’s elegant Villa Ragusa.

Campbell Chamber of Commerce President gives the thumbs up to honorees Bonnie Aerts, Tom Francois and Al Aerts. Also pictured is Chamber Executive Director Betty Deal.

The Aerts donate time and money
Custom Vending Systems, owned and operated by Alan Aerts, is the Bay Area’s leading vending company and was chosen for its generous contributions to charitable causes in the community.

Aerts, who established the business in 1980, donates 50 to 100 percent of the profits from all of his businesses and personal investments to help charitable organizations. In addition to his generous monetary donations, he also donates at least 70 hours a week of his time.

“Working with people and seeing how you can impact their lives” is better than “shoving a check in an envelope,” according to Aerts. “There are opportunities every day to help out.”

When Aerts was a child, his family did not have much money, but his father worked hard and they were happy. Aerts bought his first home at age 18. By age 23, he was a millionaire.

When he first started making money, it “went to my head,” he explained. At one time, he owned 48 cars. Eventually, he became “uncomfortable” and decided to start giving back to the community. “Community and friendship are the most important things that money can’t buy,” he said.

The Special Olympics, Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Heritage Theatre and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are a few of the many recipients of his generosity. A few years ago, Aerts started the Senior Care Program that offers a “warm” line on which seniors in need can leave messages. Aerts personally attends to the needs of the callers and all services are free of charge.

Tom Francois, an inspiration
Tom Francois is well-known throughout the community and was chosen for tirelessly contributing his time and energy to help others. When his leg was amputated a few years ago, Francois reached out to others in need by giving hope and compassion through his motivational speeches.

Perhaps his most gratifying work involves working with inmates in the correctional facilities. At first, he didn’t feel comfortable, but he felt a “strong connection” with this group of people. “We’ve both had some type of loss,” he explained. “I’ve lost my leg. They’ve lost their freedom.”

The 2004 honorees

He works with 160 inmates at a time and encourages them not to give up hope because, “They can’t incarcerate your spirit.”

Francois loves working with the Campbell community because of its “good home town feeling.” Unlike many other towns, there is a “sense of community” with a “family type atmosphere.” At age 63, he is still full of energy and never turns down a request to help others. “This is my ministry,” he said.

A variety of aspects are considered during the selection process for these awards, but the underlying question is always “What does this person or business give to the community.”

The ideal citizen is a “good person overall who works with city government, the community, education, youth groups and the Chamber,” explained Betty Deal, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Francois is a “friendly, upbeat, uplifting person,” said Deal, while Aerts is “serious and sincere. If there is a need to be filled, Alan fills it.” Both are motivating and inspiring.

While the speeches were powerful and emotional, the skits were lighthearted and humorous, creating an uplifting and enjoyable evening for all who attended.

Many other Campbell citizens were also honored at the dinner:

Earl Honey was honored by the American Legion Post #99.

Robert and Ester Kwok were honored by the Campbell Education Foundation.

Patricia Williams was honored by the Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House Foundation.

Terry Lash was honored by the Kiwanis Club of Campbell.

Fred Meyer was honored by the Rotary Club of Campbell-San Jose West.

John Kelly was honored by the West San Jose/Campbell Lion’s Club.

Betty Renfer was honored by the Women’s Service Club of Campbell.