Aiken Fans Trick or Treat for Funds

Graphic by Fountaindawg

During the Oct. 30-31 Trick or Treat Campaign, a total of 316 donations raised approximately $4,630 and boosted the National Inclusion Project from 13th to 10th place in America's Giving Challenge.

With six days remaining, the National Inclusion Project has earned a total of $14,670 in donations and placement awards. A Final Push Party is planned for the last 24 hours from 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, to 2:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.

Unique donations (one a day) of $10 or more count towards daily and overall contest totals, for which there will be monetary awards for the top charities.

More info below.

2010 Clay Aiken Calendar

Fans Raise Funds for Inclusion

Besides current fundraising campaigns through special charity giveaways, this holiday season Clay Aiken fans will also participate in the annual Wrapping for Inclusion and Deck the Halls projects.

Many will order the 2010 calendar of photos by toni7babe assembled each year by Rosa Shurtz. All proceeds after costs go to the National Inclusion Project.

The lead photo above is the calendar cover, and these are double clickable samples for January, April, October, and December.

Cost of the calendar is $21 through Paypal or $20 by personal check. Interested persons should email Rosa -- rosash@comcast.net -- for further details. Use the email address for Paypal orders.

Order and print deadline is Nov. 15. Calendars will be shipped before Christmas.

I will always remember Susan Guinn (xxx4clay), who was in the hospital undergoing treatments this time last year, finally losing her battle with cancer in July.

Susan had inquired about a 2009 calendar before entering the hospital. I hoped a Clay Aiken calendar would benefit my friend and help her through some rough times, so I asked Rosa to send mine to West Virginia instead.

She did. A few days later a calendar arrived in my mailbox also. Help Rosa with her annual fundraising project for inclusion. She is very special ... and your wall will handsomely improve!

Wrapping for Inclusion raises funds as well as awareness for the work of the National Inclusion Project. As in past years, shoppers in malls and at various stores will have their gifts wrapped and learn about the work of the foundation.

If you are new to WFI and would like to volunteer, see Wrapping for Inclusion at the NIP website.

Mark Your Calendar

Set your clock and calendar for Thursday-Friday (Nov. 5-6) 3 p.m. - 2:59 p.m., for the Final Push Party to raise National Inclusion Project funds through America's Giving Challenge on Facebook. Minimum for a unique donation is $10.

Recruit others to support inclusion in this way. As of 3 p.m. Halloween Day, donations for the National Inclusion Project totaled $14,670. Each $10,000 raised funds one "Let's All Play" summer camp.

Clickable by LovesClaysVoice

Through the Deck the Halls project, supporters raises money for inclusion and dectorate homes and offices with beautiful, handmade Rockdale wreaths. Order deadline is Nov. 16.

For more details about the America's Giving Challenge and Deck the Halls, including wreath samples, see the previous Carolina entry: Trick or Treat with the Clay Nation.

Below is a clickable of the opening graphic by Fountaindawg:

Clickable by Fountaindawg

Have a great week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, National Inclusion Project, 2010 Clay Aiken Calendar, Wrapping for Inclusion, Deck the Halls, holiday wreaths, America's Giving Challenge, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Aiken Fans Support Inclusion

HALLOWEEN REMINDER: First round of the two-day Trick or Treat donation drive for the National Inclusion Project through America's Giving Challenge began at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, and runs for 24 hours.

The second round starts at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, concluding at 2:59 p.m. Saturday.

Unique donations of $10 or more count towards daily and overall contest totals, for which there will be monetary awards for the top charities. (More info below)

2010 Clay Aiken Calendar

Fans Raise Funds for Inclusion

Besides current fundraising campaigns through special charity giveaways, this holiday season Clay Aiken fans will also participate in the annual Wrapping for Inclusion and Deck the Halls projects.

Many will order the 2010 calendar of photos by toni7babe assembled each year by Rosa Shurtz. All proceeds after costs go to the National Inclusion Project.

The lead photo above is the calendar cover, and these are double clickable samples for January, April, October, and December.

Cost of the calendar is $21 through Paypal or $20 by personal check. Interested persons should email Rosa -- rosash@comcast.net -- for further details. Use the email address for Paypal orders.

Order and print deadline is Nov. 15. Calendars will be shipped before Christmas.

I will always remember Susan Guinn (xxx4clay), who was in the hospital undergoing treatments this time last year, finally losing her battle with cancer in July.

Susan had inquired about a 2009 calendar before entering the hospital. I hoped a Clay Aiken calendar would benefit my friend and help her through some rough times, so I asked Rosa to send mine to West Virginia instead.

She did. A few days later a calendar arrived in my mailbox also. Help Rosa with her annual fundraising project for inclusion. She is very special ... and your wall will handsomely improve!

Wrapping for Inclusion raises funds as well as awareness for the work of the National Inclusion Project. As in past years, shoppers in malls and at various stores will have their gifts wrapped and learn about the work of the foundation.

If you are new to WFI and would like to volunteer, see Wrapping for Inclusion at the NIP website.

Mark Your Calendar

Set your clock and calendar for Friday and Saturday (Oct. 30 and 31), the designated days to make donations for the National Inclusion Project through the America's Giving Challenge on Facebook. Minimum for a unique donation is $10.

Donations for each 24-hour periods should begin at 3 p.m. Recruit others to support inclusion in this way. As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, donations for the National Inclusion Project totaled $10,105, enough to fund one "Let's All Play" summer camp.

Clickable by LovesClaysVoice

Through the Deck the Halls project, supporters raises money for inclusion and dectorate homes and offices with beautiful, handmade Rockdale wreaths. Order deadline is Nov. 16.

For more details about the America's Giving Challenge and Deck the Halls, including wreath samples, see the previous Carolina entry: Trick or Treat with the Clay Nation.

Clickable by Fountaindawg

Have a great week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, National Inclusion Project, 2010 Clay Aiken Calendar, Wrapping for Inclusion, Deck the Halls, holiday wreaths, America's Giving Challenge, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Trick or Treat with the Clay Nation

Trick or Treat for NIP

Clay Nation Organizes Campaign

"Trick or Treat for the National Inclusion Project" has been adopted by Clay Aiken fans as a plan to compete with larger, international charities and maximize donations in the ongoing America's Giving Challenge on Facebook.

Setting specific dates to give will, hopefully, move the Project back into the money in two ways: (a) winning the $1,000 daily award for the 24-hour period on Oct. 30 and 31 and (b) boosting unique donation totals so the cause will place among the top seven.

When the month-long America's Giving Challenge concludes at 3 p.m. EST Nov. 6, overall awards will be distributed according to these guidelines:

• $50,000 to the cause with the highest number of unique daily donations over the 30 days of the Challenge.
• $25,000 to the cause with the second highest number of unique daily donations over the 30 days of the
  Challenge.
• $10,000 to the next five causes (3-7) with the highest number of unique daily donations over the 30 days of the Challenge.

The Clay Nation hopes to inspire several hundred unique donations for the 24-hour gift-giving time periods (3 p.m. - 2:59 p.m.) on Oct. 30 and 31. AGC counts one donation per person per day with the minimum gift set at $10.

The National Inclusion Project is currently #12 in total donations on the Overall Challenge leader board and needs to move up to #7 to receive a $10,000 award, the funding required for one "Let's All Play" summer camp.

Daily awards are logged for the top two charities within each 24-hour period. The National Inclusion Project won the $1,000 prize on Oct. 7 and $500 runner-up money on Oct. 11.

Clickable art by LovesClaysVoice

All donations will aid the foundation. Encourage your friends and family members to become involved in the cause for inclusion with informative emails. Using the above graphics by LovesClaysVoice, post links, info, and blogs about the AGC at Facebook and other web sites.

Links to the following montages will help explain the foundation's mission and accomplishments to your contacts outside the CA fandom: Power of the Dream by LCV, National Inclusion Project by SueReu, What It's All About, Clay's speech at the 2008 Gala, posted by Wowzers4Clay, and Champions Gala 2009 by SueRue.

The "Trick or Treat for NIP" project is being announced throughout Clay Cyberspace today. Share your recruiting techniques, successes, questions in blog comments and posts on Clay Aiken message boards.

Together we can make a difference!

Deck the Halls for Inclusion

Support the National Inclusion Project's mission of inclusion for children of ALL abilities while decorating homes and offices with beautiful, handmade Rockdale wreaths and other natural items this holiday season! Wreaths also make wonderful gifts for family and friends.

During "Deck the Halls for Inclusion," the Project will receive $9 for individual orders and $13 per item for bulk orders (eight or more wreaths shipped to a single address). Bulk orders also save the purchaser $5 per wreath. Shipping and handling are already included in the purchase price.

Clickable Rockdale Wreath samplers

Purchases must be made from the Project's exclusive Rockdale store link in order for NIP to receive the funds. Deadline for Deck the Halls online purchases is Monday, Nov. 16.

The buyer may designate any participating Beta Alpha chapter to receive credit for purchases by including the chapter name in the comment space provided on the order page.

Fans have reported that taking wreath orders at their workplace is a snap. In past seasons, "Deck the Halls" adopted the slogan "You can help by purchasing a wreath or two or even ten this holiday season."

Inclusion works and is a gift worth giving. Together we can make a difference!

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, National Inclusion Project, Trick or Treat for Inclusion, America's Giving Challenge, Deck the Halls for Inclusion, Rockdale Wreaths, Clayonline, Clay Nation

You can also read about these fundraisers in these blogs:

Clay-the Man

Clay Aiken News Network

Clay Aiken Fans Recap Gala 2009

GALA MEMORIES - AmazingCA's graphic of 2009 Gala moments features photos by toni7babe.

Throughout Clay Cyberspace

Gala Continues in Prime Time

The National Inclusion Project's Gala ended Saturday night, but the 2009 event is still the primo topic on Clay Aiken message boards as fans continue recollecting the charity's annual celebratory gathering.

Speeches by co-founders Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel, as well as Jerry Aiken, executive director, highlighted successes of the past season and expansion plans for the future.

An excellent overview of the singer's UNC-Charlotte special ed project-turned-foundation, the 2009 name change, and the expanding programs of the National Inclusion Project appeared in the Philanthropy Journal Monday.

The group mainly develops a curriculum, and provides training and funding, to "help open doors" and provide an "inclusive offering" for kids who attend summer camps and after-school programs.

With assets just over $1 million, Jerry Aiken says, the nonprofit in the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, provided over $825,000 in funding for 31 different programs throughout the United States.

And with a $500,000 federal grant, the group over three years developed an evidence-based inclusive service-learning curriculum that teachers in elementary, middle and high schools can use to talk to their students about disabilities and help them select a community-service project.

Supporters were amazed to learn that the Project's programs have been embraced by Boston University's Camp Shriver. The Shriver director, who has described the Project’s "Let's All Play" camp curriculum as "genius," plans to adopt the program into their model.

'Dinner with Sean' Auction - Video by bigappleforclay

Saturday's live auction yielded $184,200. Total funds raised by various entities of the Gala are still being tallied by the foundation. The video by bigappleforclay captures some of Saturday's live auction fun during bidding for dinner with drummer Sean McDaniel.

Dinner for 10 with Clay went for $41,000 while three fans paid $1,000 to share a meal with Sean. Among other popular bids were "A Day with Clay," $45,000; the "Back for More" original, $23,000; the American Idol "Bridge Over Troubled Water" shirt, $10,000.

Inclusion Champions Honored

Champions trophies were presented to these deserving honorees:

• The Sparkle Effect, a nonprofit organization founded by Sarah Cronk and Sarah Herr, varsity cheerleaders at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, IA, to incorporate children of all abilities.



• Mitsubishi Electric, recipient of the corporate award, for the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation which helps young people with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society.



• Patrick Henry Hughes, a student with substantial disabilities who plays multiple instruments in the University Louisville Marching Band; Patrick John Hughes, his father; and Dr. Gregory P. Byrne, UL band director. Read about their inspirational story at the Patrick Henry Hughes website and in the 8/6/09 Carolina entry.

Gala Medley 2009 - Montage by Yollie950

Using segments of Saturday's song set, Yollie950 created a Gala Medley 2009 montage that highlights "Grace of God," "My Eyes Adored You," "As long as We're Here," and "Moon River."

Wednesday via Facebook and Twitter Clay thanked fans and supporters who helped the National Inclusion project win the top $10,000 prize in the Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway.

Clay Aiken: Thanks to everyone that voted in the Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway. Your votes were enough to put us back in the top spot!! A $10,000 check was presented to the National Inclusion Project last weekend at their annual gala. This would not have been possible without you all. Christie Cookies Results Page

The check was presented at the Gala Saturday, and the Nashville-based cookie company posted all winners on their website Sunday. Caps of both are clickable below. Additional Gala photos can be viewed on the Facebook page for Christie Cookies.

Sue O'Donnell (R) with Diane and Clay at Gala.

Below is a clickable of AmazingCA's opening graphic:

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, National Inclusion Project, Diane Bubel, Jerry Aiken, 2009 Champions Gala, Camp Shriver, Philanthropy Journal, montage, medley, Christie Cookies Charity Giveaway, Clay Nation

Top Prize to Clay Aiken's Charity

HIGH NOTE -- Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel, co-founders of the National Inclusion Project, opened the 2009 Champions Gala on a high note in Raleigh Saturday. Photo by toni7babe.

National Inclusion Project

Supporters Cheer Charity Win

At Saturday's Champions Gala surrounded by faithful supporters, Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel, co-founders of the National Inclusion Project, were presented a $10,000 check as the leading charity in the Christie Cookies Giveaway.

A Hollywood screenwriter could not have scripted a more rewarding scenario. Supporters greeted the announcement by Sue O'Donnell, Christie Cookies representative, with a standing ovation and extended cheering.

In turn, Ms. O'Donnell enjoyed a front row seat as the year's successful programs were celebrated, champions of inclusion honored, and the foundation's fundraising began anew with the gala's lively -- and silent -- auctions.

As planned, the Nashville-based company announced all giveaway winners on their website Sunday. For the complete story, see Christie Cookies Announces Winning Charities. Here is part of the press release:

Top Prize to Aiken's National Inclusion Project

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Christie Cookies (www.christiecookies.com) today announced the 12 winning charities in its $25,000 Charity Giveaway, with the top prize of $10,000 going to the National Inclusion Project, co-founded by Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel.

The check was presented Saturday night at the National Inclusion Project's Champions Gala in Raleigh, N.C. Aiken and Bubel accepted the check on behalf of the organization, which is dedicated to inclusion and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.

"We've been fortunate and wanted to celebrate our 25th anniversary by giving something to nonprofits that help people every day," said Fleming Wilt, president of The Christie Cookie Company. "So we held an online contest to let customers vote for causes they love. We're thrilled that more than 300,000 people visited our website to vote, and we congratulate all the winners."

Bubel said, "It was so wonderful to see our supporters get behind this, get excited and help raise funds for the project."

The second prize of $5,000 went to the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County, Tenn., which helps abused and neglected children and their families.

Click to enlarge screen cap of the Charity Giveaway page.

"Thanks to everyone who voted," said Wilt. "We know these organizations need support and we are happy to help."

And Then Clay Sang ...

No Gala is complete without the entertainment portion provided by Clay & Friends. Joined by a band of musicians from New York, he sang four songs, two from the On My Way Here album ("Grace of God" and "As Long As We're Here") plus "My Eyes Adored You" and "Moon River."

Among thousands listening internationally via cellcert, I was thrilled with his selections. Clay's vocal nuances and interpretation made MR exquisite. Here is an audio file of Moon River recorded by Farouche. In Starfishy's video, which can also be viewed on YouTube, Clay extends final thank-you's before singing MR.

Clay sings Moon River to close Gala - video by Starfishy.

For a complete recap of the 2009 Gala, see musicfan123's post at the Clay Aiken News Network blog.

CA Fans Seek 'Challenge' Donations

Supporters of the National Inclusion Project are also involved in America's Giving Challenge on Facebook in which the charity with the most donations through Nov. 7 will win a $50,000 top prize.

Voting (a donation of at least $10) can take place one time between 3 p.m. and 2:59 p.m. the following day. Daily awards are logged for the top two charities within each 24-hour period. The National Inclusion Project won $1,000 winner on Oct. 7 and $500 runner-up on Oct. 11.

No matter which charity wins the big money, the donations will aid the foundation. Check Clay Aiken message boards and Clayonline for the plan of action. Supporters who can only donate once are urged to do so in the Sunday 3 p.m. - Monday 2:59 p.m. time period.

Encourage friends and family to become involved in the cause for inclusion. Post links, info, and blogs about the Giving Challenge at Facebook and other web sites.

Links to these montages will help explain the foundation's mission and accomplishments to others: Power of the Dream by LovesClaysVoice, National Inclusion Project by SueReu, and What It's All About, Clay's speech at the 2008 Gala, posted by Wowzers4Clay.

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, National Inclusion Project, Christie Cookies Charity Giveaway, Diane Bubel, 2009 Champions Gala, Clay Aiken News Network, America's Giving Challenge, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Fans on Gala Countdown

NIP Wins $10,000 Prize

RALEIGH - The Champions Gala began on a high note Saturday as a Christie Cookie representative announced the National Inclusion Project won top prize in the Charity Giveaway and presented Clay Aiken with a check for $10,000. More on this later!

GALA WEEKEND -- Clay Aiken will entertain as the National Inclusion Project supporters assemble for the foundation's 2009 Gala in Raleigh Saturday. Graphic of 2008 Gala by AmazingCA, photos by toni7babe.

Foundation Vies for Charity Funds

Gala Weekend Set in Raleigh

You can tell the 2009 Champions Gala is getting close when the number of "sleeps" prior to Saturday's annual event begin creeping into opening and closing greetings of Clay Aiken message board posts.

4...3...2...1 sleep(s) until the Gala!

Throughout North America, hundreds of fans are packing their suitcases for the annual gathering of National Inclusion Project supporters in Raleigh, NC.

There is no such thing as a one-day get-together for Clay Aiken fans, and the festivities celebrating and raising funds for inclusion will be augmented by luncheons, dinners, shopping, and trips to the coast on either side of Saturday.

Fan Creations Add to Gala Auction

Among the highlights of the Champions Gala are the online, silent, and live auctions. In addition to merchandise donated by businesses (jewelry, flat screen TV, vacation getaways, etc.), several exceptional fan creations are included.

See 2009 Champions Gala Auction for a complete listing of items up for bid. Below are previews posted by Clayversity contributors earlier this week. Pictures of the artwork took place on lawn chairs, kitchen tables, a pebbled walk. All are double-clickable!

The first -- "Humanitarian" by msidolfan -- is one of three pictures under flat glass aquarian rocks that show important milestones in Clay's career and life. The others are titled "On My Way Here" and "Rock Singer."

Hosaa donated three photo books to the auction. Two are concert clack collections (Christmas 2006 and Summer 2007), and the third, "Shooting Clay Aiken," is a collection of some of the best professional and fan photography 2006 Christmas JNT.

In addition to the cover, samples shown include photos by Eric Ogden - 2003, Matthew Rolston, and Fun P.R. (American Idol, Disney World, Sea World), and Photo Shoots 2004.

A staple of past galas has been a mosaic by ClayIzzaQT. In the 2009 version, she features Kareneh's photo from the Grand Rapids Joyful Noise Tour 2005 Concert. Clay's dog Raleigh is hidden in the mosaic.

Cotton's framed photos include a UNICEF blend and a David Foster & Friends favorite.

Fountaindawg created a collage of pictures from every Clay Aiken tour. Photographers include Shine in nc, Spolightlover, jtgranny, Invisible926, ncgurrl, Solitaire30, Karen Eh, toni7babe, and Snix.

Can you imagine the hours it must have taken ymarie to create this cross stitch of a photo from the 2008 Gala?

Fans Gather Final Giveaway Votes

Gala-bound fans with laptops and those connecting to the festivities via cellstream from home attempted to win the $10,000 top prize in the Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway for the National Inclusion Project.

In the final hours, the race tightened with the lead changing hands Wednesday afternoon. Rounding up all available votes (email addresses) stepped up a notch among the competing charities and, for Gala attendees, became as important as packing for Raleigh.

Singer Man got into the spirit with an afternoon post on his Facebook page:

The National Inclusion Project needs your help! With just 2 minutes, you can make a huge difference in the lives of many children. The winning charity gets $10,000 – that money would fund an ENTIRE Let's ALL Play camp for the summer.

All you have to do is click on the link below and vote for the National Inclusion Project as your favorite charity.

The voting link was shared with friends and family to collect all possible email ballots at the Charity Giveaway site. The giveaway ended at Thursday, Oct. 15, at 11:59 PM Central Time. This translates as follows:

10/16, 12:59 AM Eastern Time
10/15 at 10:59 PM Mountain Time
10/15 at 9:59 PM Pacific Time
10/15 at 8:59 PM in Alaska
10/15 at 6:59 PM in Hawaii

At 10 a.m. Thursday, the Chrsitie Cookie site removed voting totals from the website in order to verify email addresses. The final tallies are expected to be announced Sunday. Thursday morning these charities were in the top five positions:

1. National Inclusion Project Raleigh, NC
2. Child Advocacy Center Murfreesboro, TN
3. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Lenexa, KS
4. Young Singers Foundation Tulsa, OK
5. Liz Logelin Foundation Minnetonka, MN

When the final bell rings, the top two charities will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, with the next 10 winning $1,000 each.

What better way to open the Champions Gala Weekend than to bring home this $10,000 prize!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Featured in this clickable collection are graphics and photos from the 2008 Gala, including AmazingCA, photo by toni7babe, 1; photo by PermaSwooned, 2; and Fountaindawg, photos by toni7babe and SmartyPantsSuz, 3.

CA Fans Seek 'Challenge' Donations

Supporters of the National Inclusion Project are also involved in America's Giving Challenge on Facebook in which the charity with the most donations through Nov. 7 will win the $50,000 top prize.

Voting (a donation of at least $10) can take place one time between 3 p.m. and 2:59 p.m. the following day. Daily awards are logged for the top two charities within each 24-hour period. The National Inclusion Project won $1,000 winner on Oct. 7 and $500 runner-up on Oct. 11.

No matter which charity wins the big money, the donations will aid the foundation. Check Clay Aiken message boards and Clayonline for the plan of action. Supporters who can only donate once are urged to do so in the Monday 3 p.m. - Tuesday 2:59 p.m. time period.

Encourage friends and family to become involved in the cause for inclusion. Post links, info, and blogs about the Giving Challenge at Facebook and other web sites.

Links to these montages will help explain the foundation's mission and accomplishments to others: Power of the Dream by LovesClaysVoice, National Inclusion Project by SueReu, and What It's All About, Clay's speech at the 2008 Gala, posted by Wowzers4Clay.

Below is a clickable of AmazingCA's lead graphic:

Here's to an exciting Champions Gala in Raleigh! Happy MOAM Anniversary, and have a wonderful, winning weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, National Inclusion Project, Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway, America's Giving Challenge, Champions Gala Auction, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Fans Remember 'Papa'

'Beautiful Star' graphic by cindilu2 from video screencap by jojoct.

Fans Post Condolences for Family

Clay Nation Mourns 'Papa Aiken'

Condolences for Clay Aiken and his family continue to pour in following the death of the beloved grandfather known to thousands through the writings of his grandson and a very special moment at the 2005 Joyful Noise Tour Concert in Raleigh.

Joseph Alvis Aiken, 87, Papa to his family and throughout the Clay Nation, passed away Friday at his North Carolina home. Condolences currently fill 20 pages at Clayonline, the singer's official website. Messages for the family can also be posted at the Brooks & White Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Duke Community Hospice Services, 4321 Medical Park Dr., Suite 101, Durham, NC, 27704.

CA fans are also making National Inclusion Project donations in honor of Papa through America's Giving Challenge at Facebook. Next planned donation day is the 24-hour period beginning at 3 p.m. EST Sunday. Membership is not required, and each contribution of at least $10 counts towards the foundation's total number of donations for the day.

A tribute to Papa and his grandson, who co-founded the National Inclusion Project, while providing opportunities for children throughout the nation -- quite a memorial!

Clickable by cindilu2


Clickable by AmazingCA

In the 2004 bestseller Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music of Your Life, Clay wrote poignantly of his beloved grandfather:

My papa has Alzheimer's now. When we see each other, his eye widen with recognition, but he has trouble saying the words. We hug instead, and he doesn't let go for a long time.

Granny says he can't remember much about his past and has difficulty processing the present. But he does ask about me. And if I happen to be on TV at night, he'll sit up and watch, no matter how late.

Recently Granny told me that Papa doesn't listen to the Grand Ole Opry at bedtime anymore. He listens to my CD's. Every night she asks if he might like to hear something different, but he refuses. Instead, he puts in my music and pushes "play."

It's as if I am still there, like I was as a child, lying beside him and singing him to sleep as the darkness falls. - Clay Aiken in 'LTS'

With those paragraphs, Papa claimed a special place in the hearts of Clay Aiken fans. Following the 2005 Raleigh Concert during which Clay fulfilled his grandfather's longtime request and performed a bluegrass song, Beautiful Star of Bethlehen, Papa was unofficially adopted by the Clay Nation.

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem - Montage by Hosaa
In memory of Joseph Alvis Aiken, 1922 - 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, Papa Aiken. May you rest in peace as your memory lives on in our hearts ...

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Joseph Alvis Aiken, Clay Aiken, Papa, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, Learning To Sing, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Fans Cheer for Charity

Power of the Dream - National Inclusion Project
Montage by LovesClaysVoice

Current Giveaway Leader

NIP Receives Exceptional Rating

How's this for a red letter week for the National Inclusion Project, Clay Aiken, and his fans?

• Fans Campaign for Top Giveaway Prize
  
  Shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, the National Inclusion Project slipped into first place in the Christie Cookies Charity Giveaway. The close race to claim the top prize of $10,000 for the charity co-founded in 2003 by Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel continues through 11:59 p.m. CST on Oct. 15.
  


• Charity Evaluator Awards Four Stars
  
  On Sunday, Oct. 4, Charity Navigator awarded the National Inclusion Project a coveted four-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow finances. The "exceptional" designation from America's premier charity evaluator differentiates NIP from its peers. You can view the full report at the evaluation site here.
  


• Foundation Lists Gala Auction Items
  
  Dinner with Clay Aiken and friends for 10 people, framed sheet music for "You Won't Succeed on Broadway" from Spamalot, and a LuAnn Book autographed by author Greg Evans and Clay are among the scores of live/silent auction items that will be available at the Oct. 17 Champions Gala, attendees learned in an email Tuesday. See Champions Gala Auction for a complete listing.
  


• MySpace Streams Surpass 2.5 Million
  
  Streams of "On My Way Here," the title track for Clay's 2008 album, hit the 2.5 million mark at the singer's MySpace page Tuesday afternoon. Amid milestone celebrations, streaming continues and the numbers are still rising.

Clickables of cindilu2's new October calendar and the same graphic without dates celebrate the new month with gems from the past. Widescreen versions can be downloaded at her Yuku site.

Tax Deed Deserves Bullet, Too!

As much as my 2008 income tax project has consumed this week, I probably should include a bullet for the fact that the deed is finally finished and in the afternoon mail.

During the ritual that annually commemorates my propensity for procrastination, I took brief, occasional breaks to cruise CA message boards, Twitter, and the ongoing charity giveaway.

I missed the #1 cresting, but cheered the progress all week. The NIP link takes you to the results page for the latest tallies:

1. National Inclusion Project Raleigh, NC
2. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Lenexa, KS
3. Young Singers Foundation Tulsa, OK
4. Child Advocacy Center Murfreesboro, TN
5. Ronald McDonald House Winston-Salem, NC

In the days remaining, inclusion supporters are busily recruiting more email votes to maintain the new lead. On Oct. 15, the top two charities will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, with the next 10 winning $1,000 each.

Click on the image above or this voting link to cast additional email ballots at the Charity Giveaway site. The “National Inclusion Project” is in the pull-down menu.

In a post Tuesday, CA fan LadyD shared the thank-you email she prepared for friends and relatives supporting NIP. Included is info about the foundation with links to the National Inclusion Project, Charity Navigator, and Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway websites, as well as montages and videos on YouTube.

Suggestions for the latter include Power of the Dream by LCV, National Inclusion Project by SueReu, and What It's All About, Clay's speech at the 2008 Gala, posted by Wowzers4Clay.

Naturally, during my preoccupation with numbers, new pictures of grandchildren Lia, one week shy of 5 months, and Kai, 2, arrived. The clickable photos are from Kai's September birthday party.

It's great to be back online. Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

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