Clay Aiken Fans Honor Parker with UNICEF Donations

Children in the Horn of Africa struggle to survive.
Video is accompanied by Clay Aiken singing "Grace of God."
View montage by SueReu full screen at YouTube.

Donate To Save Children

Fans Celebrate Parker's Birthday

No doubt today's third birthday celebration for Parker Foster Aiken is a joyous occasion for him, his parents Clay Aiken and Jaymes Foster, extended family, and friends.

Fans of the little tyke's famous father, who is also a Celebrity Ambassador for UNICEF, have chosen to honor the 8/8/08 anniversary by making donations to in his name for children at risk in the Horn of Africa.

A $10 donation will feed a child for 10 days, immunize over 30 children, and literally make a difference between life and death.

SueReu's montage, set to the singer's "Grace of God" track, displays the catastrophic need for the two million children at risk in the Horn of Africa -- Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia.

The montage by LovesClaysVoice features earliest images of Parker with his dad singing "In My Life," a Tried & True favorite.

Happy Birthday, Parker Foster Aiken!
Video is accompanied by Dad singing 'In My Life.'
View montage by LovesClaysVoice full screen at YouTube.

Africa's worst drought in 60 years is compounded by rising food prices and a refugee crisis, creating a true children’s emergency in the area. UNICEF urgently requires additional funds to maintain critical lifesaving services for children who face malnutrition, disease and death.

Read more about the Horn of Africa crisis on this UNICEF page. You can make a donation here. If you use Paypal, you can also leave a message.There are no totals; but according to preliminary message board accounts, little Parker has helped lots of children in the Horn of Africa today.

If you would like, download the montages with these Sendspace links: Grace of God and In My Life.

Happy Birthday Week to Parker! Have an awesome August, Clay Nation!

Caro

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1. First, vote at the Pepsi Refresh site. See much more info on power codes in the previous Carolina blog entry.
2. Sign out and back into the Pepsi site to cast your Facebook vote.
3. Text 108169 to 73774 (PEPSI).
4. Recruit others to do the same.
5. Goal: $50k grant for inclusion!

'Good Guy' Clay Aiken Plays Shady Character on Diva

Clay Aiken joins Drop Dead Diva cast members for 'Prom' episode. Pictured from left are April Bowlby, Margaret Cho, Clay, and Ben Feldman. Photo by Bob Mahoney.

Singer Urges Somalian Support

Clay Debuts as Bad Guy on Diva

After weeks of media promotion, Clay Aiken joined the cast of Drop Dead Diva Sunday in a villainous role that is the direct opposite of his "good guy" persona.

US residents who missed the telecast can view the show on the Lifetime Network at Drop Dead Diva Episode 5: Prom. Canadians are streaming the episode at Free TV Online. You can purchase a high-def download of the show at iTunes for $2.99.

In the course of an hour, the program incorporated several storylines, the main being the real life incident of Mississippi teen Constance McMillen, who sued her high school after the school board barred her from going to the prom with her girlfriend.

Even though his "bad guy" role had nothing to do with the McMillen story, Clay spoke with Pop Culture Passionistas about appearing on this Diva episode with a cause.

" ... the storyline is something that resonated with me. Being a part of this episode was exciting for me."

In addition Aiken said he believes that beyond this episode, the show is truly unique to television. "The message of the show is different than anything that's on TV. It really tells a story that resonates with so many people.

It talks about the importance of how image should not be as important as often times we make it in society. And it does that while being really funny, so it's not preachy at all. It gives a really positive message without preaching, and that’s really hard to find on TV."

In addition to Clay, guest stars included Wanda Sykes, Amanda Bearse, and Lance Bass. Read the complete article at Pop Culture Passionistas. You can also link to the episode and post a comment at DDD's Facebook link.

The episode made Monday's AOL Top 5 TV Shows.

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken visited Somalia in 2008. Expandable graphic by AmazingCA.

Singer Uses Voice for Somalia

Clay is helping to spread the word about the drastic need for funds for children affected by the famine in Africa. Everywhere you look, there are stories like the one below touting the dire need for assistance.

Clay Aiken Uses His Powerful Voice to Speak Out About Somalian Crisis for UNICEF

When he's not busy belting out tunes, Clay Aiken is using his voice to speak on behalf of The United Nations Children's Fund as an ambassador for the organization.

The American Idol alumnus-turned-activist is particularly passionate about the humanitarian crisis in Somalia.

The singer spoke at length with AOL Music in a Q&A about the African country in the midst of a two-decade ongoing civil war.

Clickable Map: Horn of Africa

Clay also shared new PSA videos describing the crisis and how others can help with donations for ready-to-use therapeutic foods. See additional videos at the UNICEF USA YouTube Channel.

Ten dollars can feed a child for 10 days. Text FOOD to UNICEF (864233) to donate $10, or donate through the UNICEF website.

Read more about the disaster in this UNICEF press release: Horn of Africa is a Crisis for Child Survival.

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro