Penny Lane Project Raises over $20,000 for BAF

Punjab.com

Penny Lane Project Raises Over $20 000 for Bubel/Aiken Foundation
Publish Date : 10/31/2004 1:11:00 PM
Source : Business News Only
punjab.com

Fans of RCA Recording Artist Clay Aiken brought spare change to over 45 pre-concert gatherings across the USA during Aiken's first solo tour as part of a grass-root fundraiser.

The Penny Lane Project encourages people of all ages and abilities to make change count for The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, a foundation whose mission is to integrate individuals with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The change was collected, counted, and rolled by an extensive team of volunteers. The first campaign of the Penny Lane Project wrapped up on October 18th, 2004 in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a presentation made by Kelly Bond, the project originator, of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to Diane Bubel of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. Bubel's autistic son Mike was taught by Aiken prior to Aiken's stint on American Idol. It was Bubel that encouraged Aiken to try out for the FOX Television show after hearing him sing around the house. In gratitude, Aiken co-founded the foundation with the Bubel family. Bond presented Bubel with donations totaling $20248.61 USD.

The project will continue throughout the winter as devout fans celebrate Aiken's upcoming CD ‘Merry Christmas With Love’ and his inspirational book “Learning to Sing-Hearing the Music in Your Life” both to be released on November 16th, 2004.

The tradition amongst Clay fans is to gather at these events, celebrate their love and admiration for Aiken and continue to help raise funds for his foundation.

Along with the donations, Bond presented Bubel with a solitary penny and the words: "this penny is a reminder to each one of us that the very smallest of ideas, the tiniest of dreams, and each individual is of great value to this world. How great it is when we combine our pennies…when we work together as a family…that single penny can break down doors, and can bring a child the world.”

The mission of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is to provide services and financial assistance to facilitate fully the integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The Foundation will create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities inclusion can bring.

Through collaborations with the disability, education, entertainment, and media communities, the Foundation will recognize those whose commitment to breaking the stereotypes attendant to the developmentally disabled has broken barriers and extended the boundaries of the human experience for all.