Perhaps the greatest excuse to grab your dancing shoes and suit up for an evening is lending a helping hand to the community. The third-annual black-tie fundraising gala “Bridge the Gap” returns this year with an even more spectacular set up.

Hosted by Team San Jose and Hunger at Home, in partnership with Martha’s Kitchen,The Salvation Army and Bill Wilson Center, the gala highlights the efforts of these organizations while also making sure each receives a portion of proceeds to benefit their cause.  In Santa Clara County there more 200,000 homeless people living on the streets and 1 in 3 residents will face food insecurity, above the nation’s average.

These organization are working hard to change these numbers. Hunger at Home, for example, has donated 2 million meals to various organizations by gathering surplus resources from the community and giving them back to those in need. Since its founding in 1981, Martha’s Kitchen has donated 3 million meals and has an annual production of over 380,000 meals delivered all over the Bay Area. The much needed funds will go towards continuing efforts to help the community along with additional programs and services.

Mayor Sam Liccardo and many other officials have commended the work of Hunger at Home “…for its ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between those who have and those who need. And for inspiring thousands throughout our community to get involved.”

The night is expected to be a red-carpet affair complete with live music performed by local celebrity Greg Kihn and the All Star Juke Box. Following a welcome address from Mayor Sam Liccardo, a one of a kind four course dinner and wine pairing will begin, and for dessert guest will enjoy an “extravaganza” of sweets followed by dancing.

Throughout the night both a silent and live auction will take place. Live-auction prizes include trips to exotic locales, cars and two cruises courtesy of Holland America.