Clay Aiken, Fans To Party Down with UNC-TV

Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! Preview
View video full screen at YouTube.

For 'Tried & True' Telecast

UNC-TV Plans Special Shindig

Clay Aiken and his fans will party down Saturday night when the singer's celebrated special kicks off the UNC-TV SeptemberFest pledge drive.

Premiere telecasts of Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! are slated for 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Several members of the Clay Nation have volunteered to answer pledge drive phones, but two lucky fans will be there as a special guests of UNC-TV on Facebook.

To celebrate Clay Aiken and all the FB fans who love him, we're offering a Sept. 11, UNC-TV tour and "meet and greet" with Clay for our 4000th fan and the person who recommended them.

Those who can't be in the studio can watch the concert on television and keep track of the fun at the "Tried & True Twitter Party" planned from 8 - 11 p.m. Follow @UNCTV on the Twitter social network.

Among the activities planned are live tweeting of Clay photos, videos, and trivia. Fans from around the globe can join the fun by logging into Twitter with the hashtag #unctvclay.

Click to view September scans of centerPIECE.

Clay Fans Become UNC 'Likers'

If you haven't already become a "liker" of UNC-TV on Facebook, you need to do so right now. The 4,000th fan will win a tour of the studio and have a Meet & Greet with Clay.

If the station doesn't reach 4,000 fans by the Friday deadline, the UNC-TV fan with the most mutual friends who are also UNC-TV fans will win. If the 4,000th fan cannot be present at Saturday's telecast, he or she can gift the prize to a friend who can.

The Clay Aiken: Tried & True - LIVE! concert special has been airing on PBS stations throughout the nation since July 31. In the concert, Clay performs iconic songs, including "Mack The Knife," "Unchained Melody," "Moon River," "Crying," and "Build Me Up Buttercup." Guest stars are Linda Eder and Ruben Studdard.

As you can see in the Carolina sidebar, Houston, TX, is another city in countdown mode to Clay Aiken's PBS Special this week.

Because the singer is scheduled to be in the KUHT-TV studios for Wednesday's 8:30 p.m. telecast, several Houston area fans have volunteered to answer pledge phones for the PBS station. Future airings are slated for 2:30 a.m. Friday and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15.

The National Inclusion Project serves to bridge the gap between young people with disabilities and the world around them. Supporters are voting to secure a $50,000 grant during September's Pepsi Refresh Challenge.

Fans Tweak Pepsi Refresh Strategy

National Inclusion Project supporters have tweaked their campaign strategy to secure $50,000 for the foundation during September's Pepsi Refresh Challenge. The outline below has been shared on several Clay Aiken message boards where members sign up to vote the various groups.

In this blog, eligible voters (legal US citizens at least 13 years old) should include the "Everyone" list and choose one of the other groups to best distribute each day's 10 votes. One Internet vote and one text vote are allowed the organization.

Below is the plan designed by SueReu to include charities reciprocating votes with the National Inclusion Project. Check back daily for possible variations.

Everyone Vote For:

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
National Federation of the Blind - Text 101913 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group A

Tree House for Disabled Kids - Text 102672 to 73774 (Pepsi)
SWOOP (wheelchair ramps/Triangle area) - Text 102191 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Courageous Disabled Kids - Text 100058 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Foxroad Elementary - Text 102179 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Mckemy Middle School - Text 100283 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Saving Shelter Pets - Text 102190 to 73774 (Pepsi)
St. Joseph's School - Text 100242 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Screamfest Film Festival - Text #100848 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group B

Charlotte Peace (domestic violence) - Text 100011 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Add iPad - Text 100053 to 73774 ( Pepsi)
Ella's Hope for Autism - Text 100288 to 73774 (Pepsi)
The Bag Ladies - Text 101126 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Family fun Events - Text 102684 to 73773 (Pepsi)
BRIDGES (special needs/Triangle) - Text 101364 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Little Tree Preschool (autism) - Text 101735 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Blind Cat Rescue - Text 102422 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group C

Boise Bicycle Project - Text 102464 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Health Shots Reminder - Text 102084 to Pepsi 73774 (Pepsi)
Wild and Wonderful Pet Pantry - Text 100040 to 73774 ( Pepsi)
Mentored Chem-Bio Tech Lab - Text 101997 to 73774 (Pepsi)
RATCO - Text 100570 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Once voting is completed, return to each charity and copy/paste a message similar to the one below:

A vote from the National Inclusion Project! Help us help kids with disabilities experience life with their peers. We're going for $50K. http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject Thank you for your support!

Canadian Finds Way To Help

Throughout the Pepsi campaign, Clay Aiken fans from other countries have been left out. Monday From Claygary posted ways that non-US citizens can help with the project:

Last night I went through my "liked" pages on Facebook. (Profile/Info/Likes and Interests).

Lots of them are pages where I can post a note on their wall. On an intermittent basis, I will post a note asking for their help as well. Probably a weekly post with the necessary voting link, info. Among the "likes" on my list are:

1. Christie Cookie -- they helped us last year, and I'm sure some of the staff would be happy to vote for the National Inclusion Project.

2. The Voice - Linda Eder's newsletter. Maybe they would include the information?

3. Casey Thompson Music - definitely!

4. Quiana Parler and Friends - definitely!

5. Ornamentea.com, a local Raleigh store.

6. ground ctrl ... why not?

7. Morgan's Wonderland, an entertainment facility in Texas for children with disabilities. Wouldn't they be interested?

The Sparkle Effect, teen cheerleader organization awarded a grant by the National Inclusion Project in 2009 for their work with young people with disabilities, has also been suggested as a group to contact. No doubt they would be willing to help, and teen texting skills are through the roof!

Hopefully, these suggestions spark several more ideas of people and organizations to contact for voting assistance in the National Inclusion Project's September campaign for $50,000.

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Thank you for your blog comments and props for the contributing artists. To leave a remark, scroll to the bottom of that section, click on the "Post a Comment" link, and write in the box provided. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken Irish on St. Pat's Day

ALL THINGS GREEN -- Clay Aiken graphic by AmazingCA.

March Honors Irish Traditions

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day. This blog commemorates the week with "Spamalot" green, signature color of Sir Robin, Clay Aiken's recent role in the hit Broadway musical.

The most well-known March observance is St. Patrick's Day, honoring the patron saint of Ireland, the man who brought Christianity to the Irish in the 400's A.D. March 17 is truly a day for celebrating Irish history, ancestry, traditions, and customs.

Around the globe, St. Patrick's Day festivities are generally themed around all things green and Irish. The secular version of the holiday is marked by wearing green or orange, eating Irish food and/or green foods, imbibing Irish drink (usually Guinness), and attending parades.

Irish colonists brought St. Patrick's Day to North America. The event was first commemorated in the 13 colonies in Boston, MA, in 1737.

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

Clay co-hosting 2010 GFI in Palm Beach Gardens.
Double clickable photo by Alicia Donovan

Palm Beach Magazine Features GFI

Golfing for Inclusion is featured in the March 2010 issue of Palm Beach Gardens Lifestyle magazine. Written by Laura Delgado with photography by Alicia Donovan, scans of the article are available at Clay Aiken The Ideal Idol.

Clay Aiken sings, tours, performs on Broadway, raises funds and acts as a spokesperson for various causes. But can he play golf?

Aiken recently teamed up with PGA Professional Wayne Player to hose the 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion on February 1 at The Country Club at Mirasol, right here in Palm Beach Gardens.

The three-page spread incorporates the history and agenda of the National Inclusion Project, as well as the 2010 GFI event. Five photos accompany the story.

"I have never golfed, and I think -- in the best interest of others -- we should keep it that way," he said with a laugh.

To read the complete story, link to Clay Aiken The Ideal Idol.

INTERLUDE IN GREEN: Sir Robin's penchant for green lends itself to a clickable St. Patrick's Day interlude. Included are graphics by Amazing_CA with photos by Joan Marcus, 1, and Toni7babe, 3; Claystruck, photo by Disneydeb84, 2.

No One As Irish As Barack Obama

More than 34 million Americans are of Irish descent, nine times the population of Ireland. Among them is US President Barack Obama, whose maternal great-great-great grandfather Falmuth Kearney was born in Moneygall, a tiny village in central Ireland.

Between 1845 and 1851, more than a million people left Ireland on 'famine ships' to escape mass-starvation caused by potato blight; and, according to documents unearthed by an Irish vicar, passenger lists show Falmuth Kearney was among them, arriving in New York in 1850 before settling in Ohio.

Screen cap links to animated montage.

The song "There's No One as Irish as Barack O'Bama," which was written by Hardy Drew and recorded by the Corrigan Brothers, helps fill in the blanks about President Obama's 3% Irish heritage. The concert and animated versions can be viewed at YouTube.

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

Kai, our clan's pot o' gold, is 2 1/2 years old today!
Clickable 2009 St. Patrick's graphic by Ashes

Grandma's on Kai's Radar

Being a long-distance grandmother can be difficult at times; but there are some high moments, too. Kai, who celebrates 2.5 years today, and I are enjoying getting to know each other in telephone conversations. Ten-month-old Lia tries to copy everything he does, so our phone time is coming.

Kai has always loved telephone buttons and now delights in providing a running commentary of all that's happening ("The dogs are getting ready to go out ... Lia is taking a nap"), as well as walking around the room pointing out items ("This is our TV; here's Lia's high chair; and this is my dump truck full of Cheerios.")

"Grandmother" has become the voice on the phone so much so that last week while his mother was talking with a friend, Kai yelled from across the room, "Hello, Grandma!"

I look forward to the time when "across the room" is literally just that. Happy 2.5, Grandson!

Your Carolina blog visits -- and especially thos who stop and comment -- are always appreciated. According to the attached Feedjit Live Feed and ClustrMap applications, visitors from 144 countries have stopped by this year, the newest being Armenia. Greetings to all!

Accompanying the above Irish blessing (graphic by Sally) is a very special wish to all for a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Caro

Clay Aiken Fans On News Alert

DREAM MAKER - Clay Aiken sings "Moon River" in the Feb. 1 Golfing for Inclusion concert in West Palm Beach, FL. Graphic by AmazingCA, photo by SmartyPantsSuz.

One More Sleep (Or Maybe More)!!!

Clocks Counting Down to News

Amidst the excitement and hoopla of Sunday's celebrated Super Bowl, the most repeated chant on Clay Aiken message boards -- "ONE MORE SLEEP!!!" -- has been indicative not of professional football's finale but of countdown clocks ticking off the minutes until Singer Man's big news announcement Monday.

Almost as an afterthought, the inevitable "Go, Saints!" or "Yay, Colts!" cheers are attached to board posts while the singer's anticipated news leads most excitement gages. Speculation centers around the upcoming Decca album release and information on the a PBS Special.

UPDATE: News Delayed, But Inevitable

Late Monday night fans learned the music business moves at a snail's pace, crossing all "T's" and bridges before official announcements can be made. However, Clay twice blogged his apologies and frustration about the delay. Clayonline members can read both blogs there.

Having already hinted that his fans they might want to be in Raleigh on March 12, Clay posted a list of excellent hotels. He also said the date is confirmed and he is more excited about "the event" than anything he has done in years.

Information will be forthcoming in a few days, the singer promised. Actually, according to the fandom's definition of SOON!

During Clay's concert at the Feb. 1 GFI fundraiser for the National Inclusion Project, participants were treated to bits and pieces of the new CD. Featured below is video is one of the tracks, "Moon River," recorded by Goldarngirl at the West Palm Beach, FL, performance.

Clay singing Moon River at GFI.

Song Revives Mercer's Career

Composed in 1961 by Johnny Mercer (lyrics) and Henry Mancini (music), Moon River was originally sung in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's by Audrey Hepburn, although it has been covered by many other artists.

Performed by Andy Williams at the 1961 Academy Awards, "Moon River" won the Oscar for Best Original Song that year and received Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1962.

Mercer (1909-1976)was a popular singer who recorded his own songs as well as those written by others from the mid-1930's through the mid 1950's. He wrote the lyrics to more than 1,500 songs, including compositions for movies and Broadway shows. He received 19 Academy Award nominations and won four.

Mancini (1924-1994) was an American composer, conductor, and arranger best remembered for his film and television scores. He won a record 20 Grammy awards.

The success of the song was responsible for re-launching Mercer's career as a songwriter, which had stalled in the mid-1950s because rock and roll replaced jazz standards as the popular music of the time.

Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way

Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me.

An inlet near Savannah, GA, Mercer's hometown, was named Moon River in honor of him and this song. The popularity of the song is such that it has been used as a test sample in a study on people's memories of popular songs.

"Moon River" became the theme song for Andy Williams, who sang the first eight bars at the beginning of his television show and also named his production company and venue in Branson, Missouri after it.

Below are Sendspace links for video and audio downloads by Goldarngirl and a clickable of AmazingCA's opening graphic:

Kai Makes Grandmother's Day

A simple "Hello, Grandmother" over the phone provided my Super Bowl Sunday high. Poppy was in the midst of a family progress report when I asked about the "background music." Kai was playing with his trucks and providing all the proper sound effects.

Invited to come over and say hi to his grandmother, Kai did just that. Talk about making my day!

PARK FUN -- Kai knows one can't steer without proper sound effects.

Long overdue for grandson's many "aunties" in the Clay Aiken fandom, this clickable interlude depicts back the sunny November afternoon he and his mother spent in the park.

With little sister Lia and Poppy enjoying an afternoon snooze, Kai and Mom slipped away for some sliding and swinging in the sun. Fortunately, she took along her camera, too.

SOUND CHECK - Kai investigates slide's nooks and crannies.

LONG WAY DOWN - Even a dare devil scopes out his slide
before diving into a maiden voyage.

SWINGIN' FUN -- Kai tried out several swing positions before
returning for another round on the slide.

I understand Kai and Lia are also marking off their calendars, too, counting down the days until the arrival of spring and many more visits to the park.

One More Sleep! Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

P.S. Happy 18 Months, Parker!

Clay Aiken, Fans Astound Golfer

GOLFING FOR INCLUSION - Clay Aiken assisted with the live auction, talked about the National Inclusion Project with co-founder Diane Bubel, and presented a mini-concert during Monday's GFI event. Photo by SmartyPantsSuz.

'No Three Putts' Supports Inclusion

Aiken Fans Adopt Golfer's Blog

When Larry, a golfing blogger, surprised his readers -- and himself -- with a very supportive entry about Clay Aiken and the National Inclusion Project, the singer's fans wasted little time in spreading the link throughout Cyberspace.

Overnight No Three Putts: Clay Aiken's National Inclusion Project Golf Tournament received more than 2,000 hits and numerous comments from the Clay Nation. The next morning a flabbergasted Larry the Golfer, as he has been affectionately tagged by CA fans, blogged again, describing the degrees of his amazement.

Until last weekend's Golfing for Inclusion, Larry only knew Clay as the singer who came in second to Ruben Studdard on American Idol 2. The staggering stream of visitors arrived from a variety of CA websites, which he visited and learned much of what's been happening with Clay since 2003.

In Wednesday's blog, No Three Putts: A Special Message to Clay Aiken Fans, Larry quoted many of the heartfelt comments, asked what "NJU" means, and asked for a couple of song suggestions to download. So far the second blog has received 72+ comments and enough songs -- some specifically for Valentine's Day -- to keep the man quite busy. His golf game may even suffer.

THERE's MORE: In a third entry Friday, the Clay Nation's favorite golfer shares his plans to promote charitable causes and his favorite performance from the 458 links CA fans provided. Larry now knows about Goodsearch and what NJU and "Use Your Voice" mean. Here's the link: No Three Putts: How You Crazy Clay Aiken Fans & a Brief Talk with Mother Inspired Me.

In addition, he has included the National Inclusion Project banner in the golf blog's sidebar so his readers will become aware of the cause, check it out, and possibly make a donation. Larry also plans to advertise and participate in next year's GFI.

So why am I writing about Aiken here? Because I really believe in his cause. It's called The National Inclusion Project and he has created a curriculum that can be used by already-existing camps to make their facilities accessible and fun for would-be campers with disabilities.

It's nice to see a celebrity put his name and valuable time to good use. Nice work Clay Aiken.

Graphic by Ambassador of Love, photos by LynninNJ.

Record Crowds Attend SRHP Concerts

Precedents to Larry's amazement can be found throughout recaps of Clay's tours and the "Spamalot" stints on Broadway. Who can forget the record-breaking crowds at the Soft Rock Hard Place Tour concert in Columbus, OH?

New Fans Join Clay Team in Ohio, Michigan was the headline of the July 23, 2007 Carolina entry chronicling the SRHP Tour through the Midwest:

A whopping crowd of 12-14,000 men, women, and children of all ages picnicking on the sprawling lawn or around one of 300 tables sold at a Chemical Abstract Service event that surpassed previous attendance records could easily have been the headline from Clay Aiken's concert in Columbus, OH, Saturday night.

To CA fans, however, the lead story had to be the number of "Clayversions" among men from multiple generations that occurred during the course of the evening.

Several concert goers, many of them men, left the event and blogged about their SRHP experience. Dannylion, who posted The Coolest Concert I Have Ever Been To on his MySpace site, wrote that he has attended his fair share of concerts -- from Run DMC and the Beastie Boys to Duran Duran and Fleetwood Mac.

Even though Clay was not his cup of tea, he accompanied his wife to the Columbus, OH, concert to make her happy. In addition to the music and banter, Danny was most impressed with the fact that afterwards, Clay walked the enormous bus line shaking hands with his fans:

That was the coolest thing that ever happened at any concert I have been to!

Clay Aiken in Columbus, OH. -- Photo by toni7babe.

From Comedian to Word Poet

In her review for the Columbus Dispatch, Lynn Green cited Clay's entertaining rapport with the audience:

One of Aiken’s endearing traits is his gently self-depreciating humor. "We have more gentlemen in the audience than we usually have," he observed. "Either the women in Columbus are strong-willed, or the alcohol tab is very high for the men here."

In complimenting "Lover All Alone," the writer painted a portrait of the scenery change as Clay performed the song for which he wrote the lyrics:

He loosened his grip on the polished, practiced stage manner and truly connected with his own soul. And for those few minutes, the squealing fans, the strong-willed women, the devoted husbands, and the rest of the audience fell absolutely silent in appreciation.

Clay, Quiana Parler in Sterling Heights, MI. (MeganAiken

Impromptu Performance Magical

One of the best examples of Clay's innate ability as an entertainer was the unplanned "Listen" duet he and Quiana Parler performed in Sterling Heights, MI.

Whether seated in the Freedom Hill Amphitheater at Sterling Hills, MI, or connected via a cellcert stream thousands of miles away, fans immediately recognized that the unscheduled duet by Clay and Quiana would long be remembered as one of the most incredible, magical moments in a long line of stellar performances.

Subbing for the ailing Angela Fisher, who nightly sang the "Dream Girls" song in concerts, the unrehearsed duo brought down the house and elicited exclamations that continue to this day wherever fans gather. Totally unrehearsed, the glorious vocals soared with beautifully balanced harmonies.

At the conclusion, music director Jesse Vargas joined the amazed audience in a spontaneous standing ovation.

Montage by Goldarngirl-Luckiest1
Clay and Quiana perform 'Listen' duet.

Goldarngirl and Luckiest1 compiled the Sterling Heights Listen Duet concert montage by incorporating several videos of the performance, a split screen of the singers, and much of the banter preceding and following the song.

CA fans are counting the days until the new Decca CD, a PBS Special, and a brand new tour! Meanwhile, no doubt fans will be keeping Larry company at YouTube!

Below is a clickable of SmartyPantsSuz's opening photo:

Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken, Golf Event Bypass Rain

Golfing for Inclusion 2009 - Collage by Fountaindawg.

Poker for Inclusion, Anyone?

Soggy Day Inspires GFI Ad Libs

Leftover icy roads from a weekend winter storm played havoc with Monday music lessons while soggy weather altered the Golfing for Inclusion schedule in West Palm Beach, FL. Co-hosted by singer Clay Aiken and golf pro Wayne Player, the third annual GFI almost turned into "Poker for Inclusion."

According to Kristy Barnes of the National Inclusion Project, golfers played four - nine holes before retiring to the Mirasol Country Club for cards. An indoor swing analyzer was employed during the golf clinic that also moved indoors.

UPDATE: Concert mp3's added below!

Like most Clay Aiken fans, I have kept an eye on message boards, Facebook, and Twitter throughout the day for reports from the golfing fundraiser in West Palm Beach. Musicfan is providing updates in the Clay Aiken News Network blog.

Clay Talks Golf, Inclusion, Fatherhood

Leslie Streeter of The Palm Beach Post today posted an excellent interview about the event: Clay Aiken at Mirasol: Golf, Inclusion, and fatherhood, part of which is reprinted here:

In 2008, I had a chat with “American Idol” finalist, Broadway star and all-around big famous sensation during his first annual Golfing For Inclusion benefit at Palm Beach Gardens’ Mirasol Country Club, for what was then called the Bubel-Aiken Foundation.

He was there to help raise money for the foundation’s goal of providing opportunities for kids with disabilities to attend camp, but not to share his mad golf skills, because he apparently doesn’t have any.

And today, at the third annual golf event to benefit what is now called the National Inclusion Project, Clay revealed that after three years and a couple of clinics with golf pro Wayne Player, his game…still has no game.

“I still don’t know anything,” Clay, chilling in a small room not far from the very rainy golf course where about 75 golfers were to be teeing off. “We do the clinic and I still don’t know what (Player) is talking about. I just stand there and make a few jokes.”

Still, Clay’s willing every year to be the test subject in Player’s clinics every year, if it’ll inspire people to show up, play golf and contribute to the cause, which has been dear to him since his pre-Idol days as a camp counselor in Raleigh, North Carolina.

There, he remembers, was a little girl – “Let’s call her Jessica,” he says, who signed up for camp before anyone realized she had disabilities. Upon discovering Jessica’s situation, Clay remembers, the camp’s director, tried to send her away, “because I think the director and the camp were not educated that it was possible. I almost quit over that. But now, people know that it’s possible, easy and effective.”

What The National Inclusion Project has done is create a curriculum that can be used by already-existing camps to make their facilities accessible and fun for would-be campers with disabilities. For the third year, the foundation has donated $15,000 to a Florida facility – this year’s recipient is the Florida Lion’s Camp in Lake Wales.

Clay says the foundation’s new name makes plain what its goals are, unlike the old one, named for him and co-founder Diane Bubel, whose autistic son Clay tutored.

“No one knew how to pronounce Diane’s name, including our executive director. Make sure you print that! They said Bubble, Babel, Buble’. Plus, no one knew what (the foundation) did, even with the minimal name recognition. But this new name has helped us reach out to a national audience."

The entire article is a must read, so check out the PB Pulse while awaiting news of the evening's live/silent auctions, extraordinary cuisine, and special performance by Clay -- all indoors!

GOLFING FOR INCLUSION - Co-hosts Wayne Player and Clay Aiken
go with the flow of a rainy day in Florida. (Palm Beach Post photo)

Along with the soggy weather, the 2010 event attracted 75 golfers with approximately 200 guests expected for the evening schedule.

With special thnx to farouche, caperkeeper, and dancermom2 of Clayversity, here are five mp3 Sendspace downloads from the GFI program:

Can't Take That Away From Me

It's Impossible

Sacrificial Love

Too Good To Be True

What Kind of Fool Am I

Recorded by Deborah760, this Sendspace includes the entire 2010 GFI Concert, including "What Kind of Fool Am I," "Too Good To Be True," "Can't Take That Away From Me," "Lover Alone," "I Will Be Here" (a capella), "Sacrificial Love," "It's Impossible," "Moon River," and much-missed CA banter.

Below are clickables of Fountaindawg's GFI collages by from 2008 and 2009:

Have a great week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken Makes Global Difference

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - Golfing for Inclusion, Feb. 1 fundraiser of the National Inclusion Project, is represented in this graphic by cindilu2 from the 2009 event. Photos by Katy4Clay.

Heart of Clay's Singing Career

Star Influence Benefits Charities

From the start, making a difference and using the celebrity influence of American Idol have been at the heart of Clay Aiken's career.

Throughout the 2003 competition, admirers of the geeky Carolina crooner's voice steadily grew, evolving into a nation of ticket/CD-buying fans for the Season 2 runner-up.

The multitudes of Idol Found-Game Over followers became the Clay Nation, directing talent, time, energy, and financial support towards the singer's humanitarian goals, adopting his charitable causes and joining his campaign to make a difference for children around the globe.

Clay during AI2 Hollywood Auditions
"... the biggest thing about being an American Idol is
the influence someone has when they are well known."

Contestant a Man of His Word

In July 2003 in the middle of the AI2 Tour, Clay's advocacy for children with disabilities resulted in the formation of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, bridging the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them.

In 2009, the foundation was renamed the National Inclusion Project to better portray its mission.

The health and educational needs of children around the world became central goals of Clay's 2004 appointment as a UNICEF Ambassador.

Clickable by Claystruck

In addition to projects in the US, he has represented UNICEF in several countries, including Indonesia, Uganda, Afghanistan, Mexico, Somalia, and Kenya.

Inclusion Project Slates 3rd GFI

On Feb. 1, Clay and PGA professional Wayne Player will host the 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion fundraiser at the Mirasol country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. In addition to a clinic by Player, GFI 2010 will feature a golf tournament, hole-in-one contests, live/silent auctions, extraordinary cuisine, and a special performance by Clay.

In addition to the live auction at Monday, online bidding is provided for several attractive items. Various avenues of participation are available through online registration at the Inclusion Project site.

The Gift of Life - Montage by SueReu
'Grace of God' by Clay Aiken

The colossal relief required by Haiti, rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12, immediately became a project of the Clay Nation. Spearheaded by SueRue, the singer's fans are donating through a special link at UNICEF: From the Heart of the Clay Nation.

When the original goal of $2,000 was reached, a second was set at $3k. That met, CA fans are now 78% towards achieving the third goal of $4,000. One hundred per cent of the donations will aid the children of Haiti.

The "Gift of Life" montage, accompanied by Clay's "Grace of God" track, can also be viewed at YouTube.

International Media Promises News

An upcoming CD from Decca and a March PBS taping has the Clay Nation on guard. According to the latest Facebook post by International Media, production company for public television, the next two weeks will be anything but calm in Clay Land:

BIG Clay Aiken announcement coming in two weeks: venue, date and location information will posted here and on our website. Stay tuned. Thank you for sharing your interest and excitement with us!

One of the best descriptions of fan excitement level and angst for March 12 details was posted Monday by mumm fums at the Clayversity message board:

Clay's invented a whole new meaning to "March Madness"!!!

Ironically, the Atlantic Coast Conference College Basketball Championship is March 11-14, the same weekend in question, 60 miles west of Raleigh in Greensboro. March Madness indeed!!!

Below is a clickable of cindilu2's lead graphic:

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken Practices Golf Swing

PREPARING FOR THE GREENS -- Clay Aiken practices his golf stance in preparation for the 2010 Golfing for Inclusion event. Graphic by AmazingCA.

'Retro 3' Montage On a Roll

NIP Sets Golfing for Inclusion

Clay Aiken and his fans are brushing up their golf swings in preparation for the 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion hosted by the singer and PGA professional Wayne Player.

Some supporters even admit to taking a few lessons prior to the fundraiser slated for Monday, Feb 1, on the greens at Mirasol Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The event will benefit the National Inclusion Project, which provides opportunities for all children

Clay Aiken and Wayne Player, GFI co-hosts.

Golfing for Inclusion 2010 will feature a clinic by Player; hole-in-one contests and a golf tournament (shotgun start/scramble format) with prizes for individual/team winners; live/silent auction, extraordinary cuisine, and a special performance by Clay Aiken, co-founder of the charity.

Online registration for GFI provides several avenues of participation, as well as well as a variety of sponsorship or underwriting opportunities. Online auction items can be viewed here.

Forget the hole in one -- fans are hoping Clay's performance will include new song premieres from his upcoming album with Decca Records!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Below are clickable graphics and a photo from previous GFI events, including AmazingCA, 1; photo by Katy4Clay, edited by Sally, 2; and Clayquebec1, 3.

Youth Slate Inclusion Campaign

Twenty young people from across the country will gather at Imagination State in Bethesda, MD, Jan. 8-10, for the National Youth Inclusion Summit to develop an advocacy campaign that builds awareness and support for the full social and educational inclusion of people with disabilities.

Diverse in their backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, the youth leaders are united in their vision of a world where people of all abilities have the same opportunities.

The National Youth Inclusion Summit is organized by the Including Samuel Project, a program of University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, along with Imagination Stage, the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, and the National Inclusion Project.

Partners in the effort include the Boys amd Girls Clubs of America, Kids Included Together, Girl Scouts of the USA, Victor Pineda Foundation, and VSA arts.

TAKING FLIGHT -- Samuel Habib sits on his father's lap behind
the controls of his grandfather's sea plane, as the two
prepare for a flight. Photo by Dan Habib.

Every participating teen has already played a role in advocating for inclusion in his/her school or community. Most recently, they have each facilitated discussion among their peers by coordinating a screening of Including Samuel, a documentary broadcast nationwide on PBS stations in the fall of 2009 that looks at five families’ stories of inclusion.

"By hosting screenings, such as the one for the film Including Samuel, which is a powerful documentary, we bring awareness to this issue," stated Liane, a sophomore at Yale and a Summit participant.

At the Summit, participants will share their personal experiences, hear from advocacy experts and work together to build a coordinated viral campaign on inclusion that engages youth nationally.

Sarah, an 11th grader from Iowa and a Summit participant, says about the Summit, “I believe that it is critical for teens to stand up and speak out about the importance of social inclusion for students with disabilities. I feel that awareness and education are powerful tools and can really change the way we think about inclusion.”

“Including Samuel is resonating with this young audience and I hope it can be a catalyst for their generation,” added filmmaker Dan Habib, creator of Including Samuel. “Without them, we cannot achieve the film’s vision of inclusion in our schools and communities.”

Tia, a Girl Scout in 7th grade from North Carolina, adds, “Disabilities should make our bonds with society and people in our community stronger, not weaker.”

Tia and the other nineteen participants will work toward this goal at the Summit.

'Retro 3' Spotlights Appearances

For anyone who has spent the past few days on the moon, SueReu's third Retrospective montage features an overview of Clay's 2003-09 special appearances.

In addition to YouTube, the video has found its way to countless Facebook walls, Twitter tweets, and message board posts.

Clay Aiken - A Retrosepctive, Part 3, A Special Guest
Montage by SueReu

Among the highlights are several national anthem performances, Christmas specials, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Capital One Holiday on Ice, Ed ("This Magic Moment" and "Ebay gold"), Scrubs ("Isn't She Lovely?"), Days of Our Lives, A Capital 4th on PBS, Saturday Night Live and the "Aiken wink," 30 Rock, and "Solitaire" from American Idol 3 and the 2007 Neil Sedaka Tribute.

To download the RETRO-guest montage, use this Sendspace link. I understand #4 is already in the works!

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro