Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Bubel/Aiken Marks 6th Birthday


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

Happy Birthday, Sally!

TBAF Plans Gala Celebration

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation celebrated its sixth birthday Tuesday with plans for the annual fall bash -- the Champions of Change Gala -- coming right along.

Today we not only commemorate the Bubel/Aiken anniversary, but also the birthday of Sallly -- friend, Clay Aiken fan, photographer/graphic artist, and mentor for many whose designs are published here.

For me, she is a sister-friend. To my grandchildren, she has become a "fairy godmother," spearheading an online baby shower and celebrating Kai and Lia through 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. 17 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 open 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. Below are clickable wallpapers by Fountaindawg commemorating the foundation's beginning and an overview of the past six years.




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 Rockefeller 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 six 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.


Miracle of the Moment - montage by LovesClaysVoice

Highlights from the 2008 gala can be viewed above or at YouTube in Miracle of the Moment, a montage by LovesClaysVoice. 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

Stay tuned to 2009 Champions of Change for updates on the October event. For more information about the foundation, see TBAF website and TBAF at Wikipedia.

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 above birthday banner 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 have provided excellent references for many.

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. At Twitter, she is known as MissSallysPC and has a huge following.

Students Make Teacher Proud

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 initial steps of graphic design. She proudly admits that some long ago surpassed their teacher.

In other entries, I have featured examples of Sally's floral and landscape photographs. 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 an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

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22 comments:

Ashes said...

Caro, thanks for the uplifting blog! I didn't remember the birthdays for the BAF or Miss Sally. Thanks for the reminder :)
Happy Wednesday!

SueReu said...

wonderful!!! Clay Aiken's words had me in tears - he is a special man who is on a very special path.

Thank you for the fantastic blog - the graphics and the montage are stunning

and

Happy Birthday BAF & Miss Sally!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Sally!!!

And congrats to the BAF on its 6th anniversary. May it continue to grow and prosper and do good works for the inclusion of all children.

Lovely blog, Caro!

Leroy

gerra said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
gerra said...

I am so proud of Clay and the BAF and how far they have come. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Miss Sally, too. Love your graphics and all your hard work.

Anonymous said...

Clay Aiken does so many things to benefit others, no wonder we are so very proud of him :)

PaulaBear said...

Wow! Six years for TBAF. What an amazing accomplishment for Clay Aiken and the foundation! So many children have benefited from Clay's vision. He's quite a guy!

fgs said...

Thanks for a bit of BAF history, wonderful video, and beautiful graphics. Clay Aiken said he wanted to "make a difference" and he has. Happy birthday to Sally.

LovesClaysVoice said...

Thanks for the great blog Caro! I am so proud of Clay's work with TBAF! He has a heart of gold! I love the graphics and thank you for including my montage! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Caro,

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MISS SALLY. I miss your blogs at the OFC.

HOPE YOUR HAVING A GREAT DAY....

Hugs,
Marlyne

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the great blog~ enjoyed seeing it all. The friend of yours is one talented lady!! Hope her birthday was nice! Wish her a Happy Birthday, please.Hope Clay talks to Us soon. A Clay music fan,Donna in Wi.

musicfan said...

Another wonderful blog.....Happy Birthday to your friend, Miss Sally.

I love that the BAF has been so successful. It's like a dream come true for Clay!!

Thank you for the wonderful blog. As usual, it is fun and informative!!

T said...

Caro, what a special blog -- for 2 birthdays. Happy Birthday BAF & Miss Sally! Beautiful tribute for both.

Clay Aiken brought the formation of TBAF and surely has made a difference. Sally has shared her artistic talent with us & her graphics are amazing. Bravo!

Thanks and cheers Caro!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Sally. Those are some beautiful graphic, thanks for sharing Caro.

Hugs Margaret

copingincalifornia said...

Where did the 6 years go? Clay Aiken and BAF will always go together like mac and cheese!

chel4clay said...

Happy Birthday to TBAF and Miss Sally. Enjoyed the graphics and the video. Clay is quite the measure of a man.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful blog! Miss Sally's graphics are always awesome.
The BAF has been the great dream come true for Clay Aiken.

Anonymous said...

Love the blog Caro. I hope Sally had a wonderful birthday. She is a wonderful person and a wonderful teacher too. The graphics are beautiful.

Great to read of the past Gala's and the Gala coming up in October. They are making the world a much better and bigger place for those children and I hope they continue for years to come.

Happy Birhtday to Sally and BAF

((HUGS))

Aspiegirl - Kathy

Ashes said...

Caro, the new addition of Fountaindawgs BAF collage is great.
When one thinks of all the things Clay Aiken's foundation has accomplished it really is wonderful!
He must be so proud :)

Unknown said...

Caro, There is so much love here; in each blog you write, and in the comments from your readers.

You write from your heart, sharing your memories, your wonderful family, and even LAP & LACIE. Clay could not ask for a more devoted fan.

Readers come to celebrate the gift of our Singerman, and enjoy the incredible talent of his fans artistic creations.

I so appreciate your friendship, and this oasis in the crazy world if the Internet.

Thanks for writing about my birthday, and thanks also to my many dear friends & other readers who took the time to mention me in their comments.

Sally

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday BAF!!! I love Clay Aiken to death! gaaahhh

Cathy said...

Everything looked absolutely amazing for his birthday party. I love having parties for kids.. They would really love it even how simple it is.. For them, that moment will be unforgettable..