The Aertses, who live in Monte Sereno, have given the West Valley­Mission Community College District a deferred bequest valued at $2.5 million. The funds, set up as a living, irrevocable trust, will be used to create the Alan and Bonnie Aerts Educational Opportunities Endowment to benefit a scholarship program for West Valley and Mission students.

"A community college education is an asset for any student, but it is particularly important for students who have personal and financial obstacles in their paths," said Alan Aerts. "I would like to see these talented, determined students complete their educations at West Valley and Mission colleges rather than dropping out due to a lack of funds."

Alan has a personal connection to the school district since he attended West Valley from about 1974­75.

"I see the value in community colleges," he said. "There was no way I could have afforded regular college tuition fees."

Aerts was working full time while he attended West Valley and had a desire to go into law enforcement. He later went on to earn his fortune through a vending-machine business, Custom Vending Systems, based in Campbell.

Aerts is also the vice president of the district's Advancement Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 that raises direct and deferred contributions and endowments to provide programs, equipment and scholarships for West Valley and Mission colleges.

Alan and Bonnie said they originally wanted to make their contribution to the college district anonymously. But by publicizing the bequest, they are hoping others in the community will also be motivated to make donations. The college district won't actually receive the funding until Alan Aerts' death, he said, so college officials don't yet know the exact value of the contribution. He explained that the gift will end up being much more than $2.5 million, if invested safely.

"It will keep growing within itself after it's in their hands," Aerts said.

Ruth Carlson, the district's public affairs and community relations director, said she believes that this is the largest donation the college district has ever received.

"This is unheard of," she said. "We're very thrilled."

Carlson added that she was personally inspired by the Aertses' wishes to create the endowment, which will provide an ongoing resource for scholarships for highly motivated but economically disadvantaged students.

"I hope this announcement will inspire others to make provisions for our colleges and students when they are making their estate plans," Carlson said.

However, the Aertses didn't just decide to give to the college district. They've hand-selected 12 local organizations, including the college district, which are each guaranteed between $500,000 and $2.5 million. The groups include: The Los Gatos­Monte Sereno Police Foundation, the Santa Clara County Fire Department, the Campbell Police Officers Association, the Capernaum Project, Nike Animal Rescue Foundation, Great Dane Rescue, Mastiff Rescue, the Los Gatos Community Foundation, the Saratoga­Monte Sereno Community Foundation, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the American Diabetes Association.

As dog owners and parents, Bonnie said, they support anything to do with animals and children. Their oldest son also has diabetes. Bonnie said she grew up across the street from a fire department, so she and her husband hold police and fire officials in high regard.

Alan and Bonnie will be inducted into the West Valley­Mission Legacy Society, which honors a distinguished group of donors who benefit the colleges with planned and deferred gifts of securities, trusts, bequests, insurance and real estate.

"We are very grateful for this unprecedented planned gift," said district Chancellor Stan Arterberry. "Alan and Bonnie Aerts are improving the quality of life in Silicon Valley by supporting educational opportunity for all citizens."

For information about providing opportunities to West Valley or Mission colleges, contact Advancement Dean Cindy Schelcher at 408.741.2165.