Final Results Are In For Parade's "America's Giving Challenge"

Last year, on December 13, Parade magazine began "America's Giving Challenge", giving people the opportunity to raise funds for their favorite charities. Clay's fans rose to the occasion, hoping to be one of the winners of $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation by having the most people give. Though we fell short by two places, we still raised a lot of money, including an additional $1000 for being in the top 100 charities.

In Sunday's Parade Magazine, an article entitled "The Joy of Giving" was included about the Challenge, and on Parade's online site, the final confirmed results of are in. The article, on Page 10 is called "The Joy of Giving" and states:

We called, and you answered: 48,000 readers responded to the first America's Giving Challenge. The Challenge generated $1.2 million in online gifts to more than 600 charities, with an average donation of $25. PARADE and the Case Foundation gave an additional $50,000 to the eight charities with the most individual donations, and 100 charities got an extra $1000. Among the winners: a foundation that helps Cambodian children and one that rescues abandoned animals. Stephen Hollister championed another winner - the IDEA League, which advocates for children with Dravet syndrome, a neurological disorder. "We fell blessed that our team effort gave us a way to fight back against this horrible disease," says Hollister, whose daughter has Dravet. To learn about all the winners, go to Parade.com.

Click on the red "100 Participation Award Winners" on the right side of the page online to see the listing of winners that includes BAF. BAF is second on the list of $1000 winners. Unfortunately there is no big artcle about the Giving Challenge online or in the magazine. I tried to contact them to see if there would be a bigger story about this later on, but I keep getting an "error message" that won't let me write to them. I'll let you know if I am able to reach them.

Great work everyone!! We done good for BAF and the children!!

Aron Hall of The Bubel Aiken Foundation Thanks The Supporters of "America's Giving Challenge"

As we waited to see if The Bubel Aiken Foundation would end up as one of the top 4 charities in the "America's Giving Challenge", I'm sure none were watching so closely as those who work at BAF, including Aron Hall. Aron sent out an email twice to supporters of BAF to let them know about this contest. He stayed closely in touch with Claydreamer07, who headed up the fan's side of the supporters.

Now that the contest is over, Aron has posted a letter of thanks at The Bubel Aiken Foundation website to all those who contributed in any way to this contest.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

The Case Foundation and Parade Magazine presented an opportunity to non-profit organizations to not only reach out to friends and family and get them involved in what we are passionate about, but also to maximize the effect of our monetary donations. America’s Giving Challenge concluded on January 31. The four US-based charities that received the most donations ($10 minimum) will receive a $50,000 grant from the Case Foundation and coverage Parade Magazine.

Thanks to your support we were able to raise over $25,000. We are unofficially in 6th place - official results will be announced on or about February 21. Due to your efforts we will be able to provide at least 2 summer camps that are opening their doors to being inclusive.

Thank you for taking a tremendous opportunity to open doors for ALL children to participate fully in their communities!

And thank you Aron, and all those at BAF, for all you do to make a difference in the world of children with disabilities.

The Bubel Aiken Foundation Comes in 6th Place in "America's Giving Challenge", But Its All Good!!

Parade Magazine's "America's Giving Challenge" ended on Thursday, 1/31, with The Bubel Aiken Foundation in 6th place. As you know, the top 4 charities won $50,000 from Network For Good. But though BAF did not win the $50,000, everyone still came out a winner! Through the hard work and dedication of the fans, a total of $25,774 was given in donations by 1922 donors! This is enough for over two summer camps, and we are all very excited about that! In addition to this, the top 100 charities will receive $1000 from Network For Change.

The donor rankings will not be verified until later in February. According to Parade Magazine:

Our donation partners are currently analyzing results. We will announce the official challenge champions on or about February 21 - so be sure to check back soon!

But the best news of all is that The Bubel Aiken Foundation will be included in Parade's article about "America's Giving Challenge". LVClayCDparty at The Clayboard wrote the following:

The VP of Marketing for Network for Good said that they want to do the write up for Parade magazine of not only the top 4, but to include several of the others who did an awesome job with the fundraising, including The Bubel/Aiken Foundation!!! WOOHOOO!! I told her that when we thought we might lose the write up in Parade by losing that 4th spot, that was almost as bad as losing the $50K to us. Because the BAF is not well known and is still a relatively new organization, we were really wanting to get in the top 4 for the write up in Parade & that national exposure! She said that they were interested in more than just the top 4 getting that coverage in Parade magazine!! I would think that Aron will be glad to work on them with that!!

This will get the word out about BAF in a huge way! The readership of Parade is huge.

In conclusion, it was extremely encouraging to see so many people looking at the positive aspects of this fundraiser, in spite of our loss. Really we didn't lose. We all came out winners. BAF received $25,000 in donations, $1000 from Network For Change, and will be included in the Parade article. And the fans gave this their all and worked so well together in trying to make this happen for BAF. They encouraged each other and cheered each other on, asked others to donate, made banners and lists of people willing to donate for others, and never gave up. This has brought the fans closer together and shown that we not only care about Clay, but we care about his charity and the children it will help. To quote some of those from The Clayboard who took part in this wonderful experience:

Just think of all of the children whose summer we have made for this year. Way to go ClayNation... Clayncfan

We were in competition with 859 US based charities. We did a FANTASTIC JOB!!... annieg9

We sure made a valiant effort and raised over $25,000 in that short amount of time!... Claymama

Great news about TBAF getting in the PARADE writeup! This will give the foundation HUGE national exposure and who knows what wonderful things will come out of that alone? We have enough in donations to fund 2 1/2 summer camps even though we got a late start on this challenge, don't forget that! We are WINNERS in EVERY respect but the REAL winners are the kids that this money will help to learn, to grow and to accept others for the special people that they are no matter their abilities. We did well guys. Really well!... Tiggy52winkle

Those on this Board that just never gave up are the heros in this endeavor. I am so proud of the energy and tenacity you displayed. I will know more about "cards", etc. when we are given another opportunity. $25,000 is an admirable accomplishment and mainly just $10. 47 at a time. Those that won the $50,000 are to be commended and will take that money and do good in our world. It is all good!... Invisiblemmay

Alright everyone, its finally hitting me! All these late nights on the computer. All the conversations with so many of you helping to keep this outfront and in the limelight! I was hoping I could wait until I got off work.. I guess not.. Reading all your wonderful posts and how excited we all are with what we accomplished is truly melting my heart! My coworkers can't understand why I have tears in my eyes.. You all amaze me more than I can possibly say. It has been such a pleasure working with such a wonderful group of people. I feel so blessed to be a part of this GREAT CLAY NATION!! Thank you all SO MUCH!...Claydreamer07

Many thanks to those who led the cause: Claydreamer07, Foxylady, LVClayCDparty, and Rainlover who started the whole idea by posting about Parade's contest in the first place!! This was a most awesome experience. Everyone should be proud of their contribution.

Last Day to Donate to "America's Giving Challenge" - $50,000 at Stake for BAF

On Thursday, January 31, at 3 p.m. EST, the Parade Magazine America's Giving Challenge contest will come to a close. At that time, the top 4 U.S. charities, those who have received the most donations, will each receive $50,000. Will The Bubel Aiken Foundation be one of those charities? It all depends upon those of you who have not donated yet.

As of the time of this writing, BAF has slipped from 4th place to 6th place as follows:

4th Place - 1955
5th Place - 1942
6th Place - 1718 (BAF)

Our only hope to go back up to 4th place is for the people who have yet to give to make a $10.00 donation and for as many of our friends and family to be asked to make donations as well. What a shame to let $50,000 slip through our fingers. Let's make a last minute surge to the top!! Here is how you can donate:

• Donations only need to be $10, or $11 if you donate via Paypal so as to cover the fee plus donate the minimum of $10.
• IMPORTANT: In order to donate, you must click on the word "DONATE" on the BAF badge. This will take you to the information you need to fill out to make your donation. If you do not first click on the badge, your donation will not count.
• If you donate more than once, only your first donation counts. Only one donation of $10 is necessary.
• Donations MUST be made by 3:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 31. That's 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Please spread the news to friends, family, fellow employees, teachers, anyone and everyone! We don't want to lose this opportunity to win $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. $50,000 = 5 SUMMER CAMPS!! We only have until January 31. Let's get into high gear and make this happen for BAF and the children they serve!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BADGE: BAF BADGE

You must click on the badge in order for your donation to count!!

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: The Clayboard has list of people who are willing to be "donation sponsors" where someone who can't afford to donate will be reimbursed for their donation. For a list of those who are willing to reimburse you for your donation, go to this link: The Clayboard Donation Sponsors. A list of people along with a link to PM them is available at this site. All you have to do is make the donation and one of these people will reimburse you the $10.

AMERICA'S GIVING CHALLENGE - Less Than 2 Days To Move Back Into 4th Place...Your Help is Needed!!

The Parade Magazine America's Giving Challenge is down to its last day and a half. At 3:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 31, the contest will be over and the top 4 charities will win $50,000. Whether BAF is in that top 4 is up to you, the fans, and your friends, family, and co-workers who you might be able to encouage to donate.

As of the writing of this article, BAF is still in 5th place with 1321 donations. That is 135 donations behind 4th place. And 6th place is only 33 donations behind us!! We need lots of donations. Here is what you and those you know can do to help:

• Donations only need to be $10, or $11 if you donate via Paypal so as to cover the fee plus donate the minimum of $10.
• IMPORTANT: In order to donate, you must click on the word "DONATE" on the BAF badge. This will take you to the information you need to fill out to make your donation. If you do not first click on the badge, your donation will not count.
• If you donate more than once, only your first donation counts. Only one donation of $10 is necessary.
• Donations MUST be made by 3:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 31. That's 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Please spread the news to friends, family, fellow employees, teachers, anyone and everyone! We don't want to lose this opportunity to win $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. $50,000 = 5 SUMMER CAMPS!! We only have until January 31. Let's get into high gear and make this happen for BAF and the children they serve!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BADGE: BAF BADGE

You must click on the badge in order for your donation to count!!

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: The Clayboard has list of people who are willing to be "donation sponsors" where someone who can't afford to donate will be reimbursed for their donation. For a list of those who are willing to reimburse you for your donation, go to this link: The Clayboard Donation Sponsors. A list of people along with a link to PM them is available at this site. All you have to do is make the donation and one of these people will reimburse you the $10.

Parade's "America's Giving Challenge" Ends Thursday, 1/31 - Your Help Is Desperately Needed!

We've been telling you about a wonderful opportunity to win $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. That is through a contest that Parade Magazine is sponsoring called "America's Giving Challenge". In order to win the $50,000, BAF needs to be one of the top 4 U.S. Based Charities, and this is determined by the number of donations that are given to BAF. NOT the total amount of donations, but the total number.

As of the writing of this article, BAF has dropped to 5th place and is behind 4th place by 67 donations. We have 1133 donations to 4th place's 1200. It is imperative that many more donations be made to put us back in 4th place and further away from 5th place. And here is what you can do to make a donation:

• Donations only need to be $10, or $11 if you donate via Paypal so as to cover the fee plus donate the minimum of $10.
• IMPORTANT: In order to donate, you must click on the word "DONATE" on the BAF badge. This will take you to the information you need to fill out to make your donation. If you do not first click on the badge, your donation will not count.
• If you donate more than once, only your first donation counts. Only one donation of $10 is necessary.
• Donations MUST be made by 3:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 31. That's 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Please spread the news to friends, family, fellow employees, teachers, anyone and everyone! We don't want to lose this opportunity to win $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. $50,000 = 5 SUMMER CAMPS!! We only have until January 31. Let's get into high gear and make this happen for BAF and the children they serve!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BADGE: BAF BADGE

You must click on the badge in order for your donation to count!!

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: The Clayboard has list of people who are willing to be "donation sponsors" where someone who can't afford to donate will be reimbursed for their donation. For a list of those who are willing to reimburse you for your donation, go to this link: The Clayboard Donation Sponsors. A list of people along with a link to PM them is available at this site. All you have to do is make the donation and one of these people will reimburse you the $10.

Parade Magazine's "America's Giving Challenge" - DONATIONS ARE STILL NEEDED!!

On Monday, January 15, Clay's Daily Double told you about a wonderful opportunity for us to help The Bubel Aiken Foundation get $50,000 if we are one of the 4 U.S. Based charities that receives the most donations...NOT the highest dollar amount, but the most donations.

Right now, BAF is in 4th place with 815 donations. If we stay in 4th place we will be one of the groups that does win the $50,000 from Parade Magazine! But the groups in 5th and 6th place are adding donations left and right! They are doing their best to catch up with us and pass us! We need those of you who have not yet donated to make a donation. Without these donations, we may fall out of 4th place and not win the $50,000, which translates into 5 more Let's All Play Camps for children with disabilities. Donations only need to be $10, or $11 if you donate via Paypal so as to cover the fee plus donate the minimum $10.

IMPORTANT: In order to donate, you must click on the word "DONATE" on the BAF badge. This will take you to the information you need to fill out to make your donation. If you do not first click on the badge, your donation will not count. ALSO, if you donate more than once, only your first donation counts.

Please spread the news to friends, family, fellow employees, teachers, anyone and everyone! Let's win this $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. We only have until January 31. We can do it!!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BADGE: BAF BADGE

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: The Clayboard has list of people who are willing to be "donation sponsors" where someone who can't afford to donate will be reimbursed for their donation. For a list of those who are willing to reimburse you for your donation, go to this link: The Clayboard Donation Sponsors. A list of people along with a link to PM them is available at this site. All you have to do is make the donation and one of these people will reimburse you the $10.

Parade Magazine's "America's Giving Challenge" - More Donations Are Needed!

On Monday, January 15, Clay's Daily Double told you about a wonderful opportunity for us to help The Bubel Aiken Foundation get $50,000 if we are one of the 4 U.S. Based charities that receives the most donations...NOT the highest dollar amount, but the most donations.

Right now, BAF is in 6th place with 303 donations. In order to move up to 4th place, we need at least 150 more donations, and of course, moving up to at least 2nd or third would be even better. Without these donations, we will not win the $50,000, which translates into 5 more Let's All Play Camps for children with disabilities. Donations only need to be $10, or $11 if you donate via Paypal so as to cover the fee plus donate the minimum $10.

IMPORTANT: In order to donate, you must click on the word "DONATE" on the BAF badge. This will take you to the information you need to fill out to make your donation. If you do not first click on the badge, your donation will not count. ALSO, if you donate more than once, only your first donation counts.

Please spread the news to friends, family, fellow employees, teachers, anyone and everyone! Let's win this $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. We only have until January 31. We can do it!!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BADGE: BAF BADGE

Parade Magazine's "America's Giving Challenge" Could Win $50,000 For The Bubel Aiken Foundation With Your Help

Remember the Six Degrees/Kevin Bacon fundraiser that took place about a year ago where The Bubel Aiken Foundation received $10,000 in matching funds from Kevin Bacon? Well, Parade Magazine has one that is very similar to this, only BAF could walk away with $50,000! But we need each and every person who can to help by making a $10 donation to BAF. The eight groups with the most donations (not the highest dollar amount) will each win $50,000! Here's how you do it:

First, you can read about "America's Giving Challenge" at www.parade.com/givingchallenge. Here is what the magazine says about the challenge:

Parade & The Case Foundation are awarding $500,000 to the charitable causes YOU CARE ABOUT THE MOST. Eight champions who inspire the most people to give will get $50,000 for their charity. The 100 charities that receive the most donations will each get $1,000.

$50,000 is enough for five summer Let's All Play camps. How great would it be for us to win this for BAF and the children!

But don't make your donation straight from the Parade site!! First you need the "Official BAF Badge" to make your donation through. And Claydreamer07 of the Clayboard has done the hard part by sending in all the information needed to Parade to set up our badge through which we can make our donations. You can access the badge by clicking on: My America's Giving Challenge Badge. Once at the badge, click "Donate" and follow the instructions to make your donation of $10 (or more). Only one donation per person will be counted toward the total number of donations received. If you donate through Paypal, give $11 to cover the Paypal costs so you can still give the minimum $10 donation.

As of the writing of this article, the leading charity has 703 donations. We are getting a late start, but BAF has a total of 34 donors. We have our work cut out for us. The fundraiser ends on January 31. Please spread the word to all of the Clay groups you are a part of, as well as to your friends and family. Let's win this for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. Are we up to the challenge?? You bet we are!!