Bubel/Aiken Gala Sells Out

SPECIAL OCCASIONS - New York City skyline photo and graphic by Sally.

Happy Birthday, Sally!

TBAF Celebrates Five Years

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation celebrated its fifth birthday with a bang Monday as individual tickets for the 2008 Champions of Change Gala sold out in little more than an hour.

Today we not only commemorate the Bubel/Aiken anniversary, but also the birthday of Sally -- friend, mentor, and teacher of many graphic artists published here.

For me, she is a sister-friend. To my grandson, she soon became his his fairy godmother, spearheading an online baby shower in September and celebrating Kai through many creative graphics and photo edits.

Happy Birthday, Sally! The party continues below with some of my friend's classic CA graphics in the interlude.

Gala To Spotlight Inclusion

A celebration of the inclusion of people of all abilities, the Oct. 18 gala at the Raleigh (NC) Marriott City Center will feature a special performance by Clay Aiken and recognition of this year's Champions of Change honorees.

The evening -- dinner, silent and live auctions, entertainment -- serves to promote awareness of the benefits of inclusion and support TBAF’s programs which give children with disabilities the opportunity to experience life with their typical peers.

Diane Bubel and son Mike in 2003.

TBAF grew out of the relationship between Clay, Diane Bubel, and her then 13-year-old son Mike, who had been diagnosed with autism. Clay met the Bubel family while pursuing a career in special education at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte.

The Bubels and Clay shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society. Having witnessed those with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities opened to typical children, they knew that with the right support system, doors could be opened to these individuals, an organized effort could encourage and facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

The goal became a reality when Clay and Diane co-founded TBAF. The official announcement was made on July 28, 2003 in New York City. For a timeline and much more, see TBAF Events at the Clay Aiken Kids site.

First Funds for TBAF - Graphic by Fountaindawg

Clay Opens Initial TBAF Account

In New York City for the American Idol 2 Tour, Clay attended the ribbon cutting of the new Wachovia Bank at Rockerfeller Center. Both Wachovia and Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented TBAF checks for $10,000. With these funds, Clay opened the branch's first account for the charity.

When the AI2 Tour stopped in Raleigh on Aug. 6, Clay and Diane Bubel held a press conference to discuss the formation of TBAF. They were presented a check by fans already fundraising for the organization.

TBAF serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them, supporting communities with inclusive programs and helping to create awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.

We are, as they say, the product of the choices we make. I challenge each of you to make the choice that leads to full access, celebrating the human rights we all deserve. When you see a child in a wheelchair, will you choose to see the child? Or the chair?

When you stand in the presence of someone who cannot speak, will you choose to hear only silence? Or will you choose the tapestry that is found in the language without words?

When you’re facing parenting or teaching a child with a disability, will you choose to be overwhelmed by the challenges? Or will you choose to recognize a different kind of hero who brings you one of life’s most precious gifts – hope? -- Clay Aiken

In the past five years, TBAF and its supporters have participated in a variety of fundraising and volunteer projects to provide a world of inclusion -- Wrapping for Inclusions, the publishing of Our Friend Mikayla, Scrapping for Inclusion, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader, Golfing for Inclusion, Goodsearch, Charming for Inclusion, America's Giving Challenge, Let's All Play Camps, Penny Lane, Six Degrees, Krispy Kreme, and on and on.

Clay Aiken at TBAF's 2006 Gala
Graphic by Amazing_CA, photo by Pink Cocoa

Previous galas -- Night of Champions, Voices for Change, Champions for Change -- were held in Kansas City, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Ft. Lauderdale, and Raleigh.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation believes it’s time to include all children in community programs. Inclusion benefits children with and without disabilities.

The Foundation is committed to creating communities where ALL children can learn, live, and play together. Our hope is that together, we can make our world a better place for ALL children. -- Diane Bubel

You can read more about the 2008 Champions of Change here. For more information about the foundation, see TBAF website.

Plans are rolling for the 2008 Gala. Stay tuned for more reports as October approaches.

In previous years, Sally shared her talent for graphics and photography in an OFC blog. On occasion, she included instructional entries about how she obtained certain effects.

A couple of years ago we surprised her with a birthday bash in her journal. I "picked the lock," and several graphic artists supplied the decorations. The one above was created by ABeautifulMind.

Sally also started the Paint Shop Pro Forum at Clayversity in which her step-by-step lessons for various aspects of photo editing and creating graphics are still excellent references.

The PSP Forum contains a Celebrations Thread if CV members would like to drop by with a greeting. Sally is a faithful reader of this blog if you would like to send her a message here.

Students Make Teacher Proud

As a teacher, I understand how proud Sally is of her "students." In some instances, she opened an AIM account just to guide novices through the inital steps of graphic design. She proudly admits that some long ago surpassed their teacher.

In other entries, I have featured examples of Sally's photographs of flowers, the Great Smoky Mountains, Canada. Today I thought it would be an exceptional treat to have her bring her own party decorations. LOL, again I picked the lock.

The five graphics below represent earlier Clay Aiken tours and performances -- Jukebox, Joyful Noise, Singerman's "confetti moment" at the AI5 Finale. In addition to screen caps, photographers include Tasapio, 1, and Invisible926, 3.

Thank you, Sally, for being such a special friend. Everyone, enjoy the party!

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, 2008 Champions of Change Gala, inclusion, birthday, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation