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THE BIG REVEAL In 1996, when their son Christian was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Paolo and Clara Aquilini quickly learned there was little support or resources for those living with the condition and their families.

In its mildest form, autism causes children to have trouble with speech and social interaction. In its severest form, autism produces kids who can never speak or take care of themselves. Driven by their own trials and triumphs and compelled to provide a brighter future for their son and others, the couple founded the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) in 2008.

Today, CAN has positioned itself as a leader and change maker in the field of adaptive sports and recreation, breaking down barriers along the way to increase awareness and opportunities for those with autism to be active contributors in the community.

With support from their family — owners of Canucks Sports and Entertainment — the Aquilinis continue to be strong advocates working tirelessly with a wider community to transport families living with autism from a life of isolation into a world of inclusion and opportunity.

Clara, along with childhood bestie Christi Yassin and Olympian Charmaine Crooks, fronted CAN’s flagship fundraiser REVEAL, the third in a series of autism gala-do’s this party season, speaking to the growing concern, interest and needs surrounding the disorder.

By far the biggest and grandest of the bunch, 544 guests gathered around 68 beautifully appointed tables for the event’s sophomore running presented by SAP. Under the stewardship of event producer Martine van Keken, Rogers Arena was transformed into a stunning party palace for the Evening in Venice benefit.

The magical night revealed the spectrum of challenges, gifts and possibilities that autism can bring with a few surprises along the way.

The evening began with a VIP reception in the Canucks’ dressing room before celebrations spilled out onto the carpeted arena. Attendees helped consume bottles of champagne before settling into their seats for a sumptuous dinner and spirited live auction.

Emptying their designer purses and wallets of more than $1 million, the well-heeled crowd was rewarded with a surprise performance by the Canadian Tenors — Victor Micallef, Fraser Walters and Clifton Murray.

PHOTOS: FRED LEE/PNG Christian Aquilini poses with his dad Paolo. The two welcomed 544 guests to the Evening in Venice black-tie gala staged at Rogers Arena.

Besties Christi Yassin, left, and Clara Aquilini chaired the sophomore running of Canuck Autism Network’s REVEAL Gala, giving attendees a glimpse into the complex world of autism.

Partygoers Natalie Clancy and her husband Trevor Adams, parents of a child with autism, understand the challenges parents and families face from awareness to resources.

Believing in a brighter future for all individuals with autism, party co-chair Charmaine Crooks escorted Edelman executive vice-president Bob Richardson to the party at Rogers Arena.

Gondolier Frantz de Rycke transported gala guests including Tandar Tanavoli and Naz Panahi to a magical Venice. The night of charm and wonder would bring in more than $1 million.

Sean and Saeedeh Salem’s LaStella Winery was among the corporate supporters of the 2017 REVEAL Gala. Major sponsors included SAP, Richardson GMP, MacQuarie and Canaccord Genuity.