New Blogger Joins Clay's Daily Double

As you all know, there are changes going on at Clay's Daily Double. Clayisouridol has had to step down as owner of CDD and has turned it over to me. I want to thank everyone for your patience as we have stepped away from giving you daily updates on what's going on in ClayNation. Though I am now back to writing some articles for our blog, I won't feel comfortable in my new position for a little while yet. So your patience will continue to be very much appreciated during this "learning time".

I do want to introduce CDD's newest blog writer to you. Her name is "justclayvn", and her first article, Champions of Change Award, is in today's blog. We will both be "learning the ropes" in our new roles at CDD, but we promise to continue to give you the best possible news blog that we can during this time and down the road.

Thank you for your continued readership, and if we can do anything better, please write us a comment.

BAF's Champions for Change Gala Set for Oct. 18 in Raleigh

The Bubel Aiken Foundation's 2008 Champions for Change fundraising gala event will be held on October 18 in Raleigh, TBAF's Aron Hall confirmed in an email.

CDD's coverage of the 2007 Champions for Change gala is available here.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Board and Staff are excited to announce the 2008 Champions of Change Gala.

The gala will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Marriott - Raleigh City Center located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. We are excited to be one of the first major events to be hosted in this brand new facility. We are also happy that you will be able to stay in the same place where our gala will be held. Click here for more information or copy and paste the address into your web browser: www.marriottraleigh.com

The Foundation will look once again to honor those around the country who are opening doors for inclusion. There will be food, entertainment, and auction opportunities.

More details about the program and ticket sales will be coming soon.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Aron Hall
Director Services

Clay Blogs About BAF Gala

Clay just posted a short blog thanking us for our support during the recent Bubel Aiken Foundation Champions of Change gala held in Raleigh. Clay says $333,238.45 was raised for the foundation. Amazing!

Tidbits 4/13

• Families.com - wonderful review of Clay's book "Learning to Sing". This was just published today:

  I admit it freely - I'm a huge American Idol fan. I didn't watch it the first year, but the second year, when Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken were vying for the title, I was a religious watcher. There was just something about Clay that made me genuinely like him. I was disappointed when he didn't win, but knowing that he's been tremendously successful helped me to get over it.
  
  "Learning to Sing" is Clay's story, told in his own words. Surprisingly, it's not a blow-by-blow of everything that happened at American Idol; that chapter of his life only takes a chapter of the book. The rest of the story talks about his growing-up years and the lessons he learned from his mother. I went into it with a little trepidation - I didn't want to find out that he's not as nice as I thought he was. Well, guess what - he's nicer.
  
  This book is an excellent example of a mother's love, a child's listening, and the power that comes from living with integrity. I always liked Clay before; he's got a lifelong supporter in me now that I know he's as genuine as he seems.
  

• Clay will be mentioned on today's The Insider. Make sure you check local listings. The CB's strollynn63 says: "Whooo Hooo, saw him in the wrap.....asking ...Who wants to be a Teacher....Real Fast shot!!!! Love him."
• Raleigh News & Observer - mention of the BAF in this article about a bright young man who is making a difference ...

  Two weeks ago, his fundraising efforts, which totaled $6,400 last year, earned him a Champion of Change award from the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, the North Raleigh group that helps children with disabilities. The group, which provides Jonathan with an interpreter at summer camp, was co-founded by singer and North Raleigh native Clay Aiken of "American Idol" fame.

• A few mentions of the Summer Tour:
• Syracuse Post Standard
• Salisbury Post - North Carolina an Idol hub -

  Whatever it is, North Carolina has given the world more than its fair share of singing idols, including Clay Aiken of Raleigh, Fantasia Barrino of High Point and Kellie Pickler of Albemarle.
  

• Chart Attack - small Clay mention in article about a rock band - "Rooney worked with producer John Fields (Clay Aiken, Mandy Moore) on the LP and reportedly recorded about 60 songs before deciding on those they liked most."
• The Hook - Chris Daughtry a unique Idol?

  Apparently, Slash wasn't the only one who understood that deferring to Daughtry was in the best interest of the album. Daughtry has writing credits on almost every track, a feat unprecedented in the meticulously manufactured world of post-Idol pop. If the names Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, and Kelly Clarkson ring any bells, these artists can thank American Idol, this generation's version of Star Search. Yet Daughtry is unique among them.

• Carolina On My Mind - Clay makes new friends in Afghanistan.
• A few more mentions of Clay's Afghan visit:
• ClaySpots
• Chexxxy's
• ConCLAYve - recap of Clay's iTunes interview - part 4.
  

New Gala Video and Picture Clack For Your Viewing Pleasure

Have any of you had enough Clack already from the Gala this past weekend? Uh, I didn't think so!! You'll be glad to know that there is both new video and picture Clack that many of you may not have seen yet.

Over at Clack Unlimited are four perfectly clear and closeup videos of Clay (taken by ClayIzzaQT) making the cutest faces as he auctions off four items...the Wango Tango shirt, his ring, the Learning To Sing framed book, and NBC skating tickets. Trust me, you are absolutely going to fall in love with these videos. Clay has never looked so adorable. Come back to CDD and leave your commnets on what you think of these soon to be Clay Classic videos! And thank you, ClayIzzaQT, for this fantastic clack.

Then, if you can pick yourself up off the floor after looking at the videos, head over to The Clayboard Pics and Graphics section (BAF Gala Photos) and feast your eyes on some extraordinary pictures taken by Invisible 926, Irishbookgal, toni7babe, bfs, pinkcocoa, Ztilb, Enigma, and a few that have no name on them. Also there are about four or five short videos capped from Ztilb's videos taken at the Gala. Here are a few pictures to whet your appetite:

There are no words to thank our Clack gatherers enough for collecting and posting these pictures and videos for those of us who were not able to be at the Gala. These memories are worth a million dollars.

Clay Blogs About BAF, Jericho

Clay posted a short blog tonight thanking us for our effort in raising funds for the BAF over the past few weeks. He said the Champions of Change gala was "unbelievable" and mentioned that a tremendous amount of money was raised for the BAF (no total yet, but Clay promised to let us know).

Clay also mentioned his favorite show, CBS' Jericho. He said rumours of him guest-starring on the show are not true, but that he plans on tuning in to the last 5 episodes of the season. Jericho is currently in a ratings sag so Clay's asking fans to tune in and support the show.

Jericho airs Wednesdays at 8 PM on CBS.

Tidbits 4/2

• Southern Girl has an absolutely wonderful recap from Saturday night's Bubel Aiken Foundation Champions of Change gala... fantastic read:

  Last night in Raleigh, North Carolina was a charity gala for The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, founded by Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel, a woman with whose son he worked in his pre-American Idol days. TBAF states their mission this way -- We will serve to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. We will support communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open. It is our goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced.
  
  Keep reading at Southern Girl's blog

• There Was A Man also has a nice compilation of recaps from various members of the Clay nation. Here's one from CV's Butterflyshine:

  One of the most touching moments for me was Diane Bubel talking about her son Mike, on the video. He is autistic and is non verbal. She says she imagines conversations with Mike and believes he would tell her, "I just want to be a kid, Mom, I just want to play." Diane tears up at this statement and i think most of us did the same in the audience. The last few minutes of the video is of TBAF children playing with Clay singing Because You Loved me in the backgroud. It was the perfect song and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the it, it was a no longer a song about a man and a women, but it about anyone who is lifted up b/c of love...it was beautiful and another tear jerker moment.

• Last but not least, ClaySpots also has a nicely done recap & some photos.
  

Rest of today's news:

• Raleigh News & Observer is looking for the "Greatest TV Character" as part of its TV Tourney (Clay was announced as a celebrity participant last month). Clay's entered his answer... "Florence Johnston of "The Jeffersons" fared a bit better, being named as champion on three ballots, including the one submitted by Clay Aiken."
• KSAT San Antonio -

  Even Clay Aiken, who seemed destined to ride the shoulders of the Claymates to stratospheric heights, has largely disappeared since a holiday-themed disc dropped to execrable reviews.
  

• Glossip - negative mention ... Idol related.
  
• Houston Press - "not impressed" by Clay Aiken. I guess everyone's entitled to their opinions. There's another random mention in another article at the Houston Press here.
  

  Now, for something non-sports related. You Clay Aiken fans. I’m happy that you like the guy. But I don’t have to attend a concert to know that he’s not a musical genius. I never attended a Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin concert. But I know that they’re musical greats. I never got the chance to see the Beatles in concert. But that’s probably the greatest band of rock history. Now, I did see Clay perform on American Idol, and I wasn’t impressed. And I saw him perform on Ed and Scrubs, and I still wasn’t impressed. To compare Clay Aiken to Elvis Costello insults not just Elvis Costello, but also Elvis Presley and Elvis Grbak.

• National Ledger - old news ... more Rosie O'Donnell.
  

More Photos & Clack From Raleigh TBAF Gala

Invisible926 has posted some of her shots from the Bubel Aiken Foundation Champions of Change gala held last night in Raleigh. More photos are available here and here.

You will also want to check out clack from last night at ClackUnlimited.com. So far, we only have audio of Clay singing "Home", "I Can't Make You Love Me", "The Prayer" and "Unchained Melody".

For those of you looking for a recap, here's a fantastic one from LynninNJ and scrpkym at the CB:

This is a joint-recap, as i am sitting on scrpkym's couch after getting about 5 mins sleep....but that's only b/c i feel asleep for 5 mins while Clay's West Point JNat played for 2 hours!!!! We are obviously home from the Gala and what an amazing evening it was.

We arrived in sunny, warm Raleigh at 3pm so had to get ready quickly for our BIG DATE with Mr Aiken!!! We arrived at the Cardinal Club around 5pm all "dolled up" and were greeted by a sea of Claymates and lots of smiling, familiar faces. We met up with [name removed], [name removed] and got our tickets to the event (Brianne from JNT 2 was volunteering and later we found out Nick was too)a nd headed up the elevator 28 FLOORS to BAF-ville! When we walked in, we were at the Silent Auction where lots of great Clay and non-Clay things were on display. We milled around for some time, did some bidding and then went to our tables when dinner was about to begin. Gala attendees were in 5-6 different rooms set up with round tables for parties of 10ish....but they were located all around the 28th Floor of the Club. Most of us were in Dogwood and [name removed] was in Sir Walter Raleigh with more NC fans. Turns out we met the rest of our "clan" also seated in Dogwood......with rumors flying that Clay would also be eating in that room....omg!!!

And sure enough.....HE WAS! Seated at his table in a far corner were Clay, Quianna, Jesse V, Jamie, Faye, Aunt and Uncle, Jennifer, and Linda Loveland from WRAL....with Jerome standin by!
OK.......this was CLAY - full beard, mustache, bangs, highlights, three-piece dark suit, white shirt and red/pinkish solid tie......OHMIIIIGGGGOOOOODDDD....FULL BEARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We had gotten word from the Gold Girls of the beard, and were anxious to see it live and in person..........AND WE LOVED IT!!!!! We were pretty much on the others side of the room, so we couldn't really stare and watch him eat, but we did get our glances (lots of water drinking and table chatting) and some tablemates snuck some pics! Clay in the room at the table about 50-60 mins, and miraculously the COFFEE BAR (they weren't serving at the tables) was set up RIGHT NEXT TO his table.......so obviously, we all needed a caffeine fix!!!!!!! The line was long (thank GOD!) and allowed for looooong glances of MR BEAUTIFUL.....and of course we called Kym in for coffee right away too!!!! As we were waiting, someone made an general announcement and mentioned that Claytinis would be served upstairs and we saw Linda L. ask Clay "what's a Claytini?" We heard and saw Clay say, "It's a Martini with a little bit of ME in it. It's a little bitter."
Before we could get coffee, they ran out, and then Clay left......by Jerome's and Mary's motion......we guess to go get ready. Soooooooooo annnnnywayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.................
we headed upstairs - for Claytinis!!! There were non-alcholic Claytinis....but of course we chose the ALCOHOLIC CLAYTINIS......and have pictures to show for it! They were yummy!!!!!
Oh yeah - Jaymes Foster was there too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sooooo......show time was getting close. We assemled into the Hall which sat about 300 people, and found our seats. We were off to the side, but in 2nd row behind the piano.....Kym was back row center! So we all settled in and the show started around 9:15pm. Linda Loveland from WRAL was the Mistress of Ceremonies and did most of the introductions and she was warm, funny, smart - and looked STUNNING. Even Clay said later in the night (commenting on her just having her baby 7 weeks ago) that she was HOT. Awards were presented, speeches were made by Diane, Clay. Kristy and award winners.....and then, the FUN BEGAN!!!!!! It was then time for LIVE AUCTION/COMEDY HOUR...featuring none other than Clay Aiken (who said he wasn't planning on being involved, but his butt hurt from sitting too long - so he was). He was excited about the auctioneer (and mimicked auctioneer talk - real fast talking...imagine him doing that) and it was obvious he was going to be very involved in the process. With the first few items, there was a vacation to the mountains of NC, and Clay liked it so much - he kept bidding on it himself, but the guy wouldn't take his bid.......it was funny! Then came other items such as signed Proud of Your Boy music score (which he doesn't remember....but he thinks he may have slept with), Invisible music/45, Grammy jacket came up and Clay really started getting into it with the crowd. He was interacting ALOT and pleading with the bidders for higher amounts "it's for the children" he would yell into the microphone....of which at one point - yes, ladies, he did have his finger in the mic stand....ONCE AGAIN. *thud*

The excitement came with a 2003 Wango Tango shirt (striped, bright colored) that he decided he was going to put on, take off, rub all over his body, and swing around his head like a stripper. NO LIE.

We think that went for $8k (OMG) and the winner got to collect on stage and got a big hug and kiss from Clay - sooooo worth the investment. The biggest item sold was the handwritten SCORE of Lover All Alone - music written from DFoster and lyrics handwritten by Clay........*sigh* and signed by them and Eman. This is the ORIGINAL and only 3 other "copies" are out there....and belong to DF, JF, and CA....whoa. Final winning bid.....$55,000.00!

He was cute, he was funny, he was flirty....he was sexy - he was playful....he was a TEASE. Especially when someone in the front row said "Clay, I'll buy your ring" And then led to the not only the bidding of his thumb ring (he left the other 2 at home - forgot to put them on after his shower) but of all his jewelery that he had on......ring (with the other 2 included later) and necklaces....that he whipped out from under his white shirt. He then proceeded to put the ring in his mouth *excuse while i take a moment* and roll it around with his tongue seductively - and also rumor had it he LICKED the necklaces as well.....be still my heart. Final bidding ended around $8,000....again, money well spent.

The auction/comedy show ended at about 11:30pm - and we didn't even get ENTERTAINMENT yet!!!!!!!!! Clay introduced Jesse, Quianna and gave away some suprises like the Oklahoma stop on the Summer Tour and Jesse and Q joining him (didn't mention anyone else)......and then sat on a stool, Jesse at piano.....and sang ICMYLM....beautifully.
It was a little tough for him to get serious, so when you listen to the MP3's.....he's making funny faces, so that's why we're all laughing during the song. Then Clay brought Q up with him and introduced David Foster's THE PRAYER.....omg - a dream for some come true. Gorgeous harmony, amazing vocals....touching lyrics....they must have practiced in the car as Clay was driving Q and Chamberlin from Charleston back to Raleigh (they were staying at this house, by the way). Next came Home from Quinna (with Jesse on piano playing with no sheet music), and then Clay's finale of Unchained Melody..........simply AMAZING.

A few more thank you's, a farewell from Linda Loveland and Clay was gone with a "See You This Summer".........and he was swept away by Jerome.....waving a few times back to the crowd as he left.

*ouch* My fingers hurt and I'm seeing TRIPLE......so that's all for now. Hope you enjoyed our recap!

UPDATE: "Champions of Change" Gala Watch

We promised to run photos from the BAF gala tonight in Raleigh... Here's are the first images broadcast on Raleigh's WRAL-TV.

Bubel Aiken Foundation Gala Tonight

The Bubel Aiken Foundation will hold their Champions of Change gala at the Cardinal Club in Raleigh tonight, the official fanclub reminded us today. The event will be hosted by WRAL's Lynda Loveland and Clay is expected to make an appearance himself!

03/30/07 : The Bubel Aiken Champion of Change Gala
By Team Clay

Raleigh, NC- The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (TBAF) will be hosting its annual Champion of Change Gala, Saturday, March 31, at the Cardinal Club in Raleigh. The Gala honors individuals and groups who have created opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in all that life has to offer.

The event will feature a special performance by multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken as well as an exquisite three-course dinner from Executive Chief Fred Leach, compliments of the Cardinal Club. Lynda Loveland, local news anchor for WRAL-TV, will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Champion of Change awards will be given to State Farm Insurance, Coach Jim Johnson, TBAF’s Voices of Beta Alpha volunteers and Youth Honoree, Jonathan Bunzey.

"I am proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees. State Farm Insurance’s corporate commitment to seeing communities become places where all children can participate, our own Beta Alpha volunteers’ passion and dedication to raising awareness all across the country, Coach Jim Johnson’s decision to include a child in an event that in turn gave hope to countless people, and Jonathan Bunzey’s willingness to take the benefits from his own experience and turn it around to help others should inspire all of us to use our voices to make a difference in our own communities for inclusion", said Clay Aiken, co-founder of TBAF.

Tidbits 3/28

AOL Television says Clay is the 9th most sexy American Idol. Of course, in our books he's #1.

• Foxes On Idol on why Melinda Doolittle has it to win AI6 -

  Ever since Season 2 of American Idol, I have always picked a favorite whom I vote for repeatedly. In Season 2, that favorite was Clay Aiken; in Season 3 my favorite was LaToya London; in Season 4 I first was interested in Nadia Turner and then in Vonzell Solomon; and in Season 5 I rooted for Paris Bennett. With the exception of Nadia, my previous favorites have always managed to come close to winning but never won. Now, I have a new favorite for Season 6. Her name is Melinda Doolittle.

• Esquire - random Clay mention...

  Mom's in the kitchen serving up homemade peanut-butter pies. And in the dining room, there's talk about the best site to score purebred Pomeranians online. This fish fry in Lebanon, Tennessee, could well be the only party tonight within a thousand miles where there's more Bordeaux to be had than Budweiser. And this is what one of the allegedly rowdiest bands of drug-addled, tight-panted egomaniacs in rock 'n' roll calls a party? Clay Aiken probably throws better dinner parties.

• Mrs. Jones On Idol - nice write up for the TBAF Internet Auction which is happening right now:

  LISTEN UP, CLAY FANS!
  
  This is a great cause - click here and check it all out! Clay's raising money for a great charity! Click Here!
  
  The Bubel Aiken Foundation has a live Internet auction going on!! Check out the stuff, people - signed items from Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Katharine McPhee and the rest of the gang!
  
  This is the Internet Auction instructions: Click Here!
  
  This is Clay and Friends Items - Click Here!
  
  There are lots of really hot autographed items from various Idols, all to benefit The Bubel/Aiken Foundation - Go win this stuff!!!!!!!!!

• The Art of Getting By - AI6 has no real standouts... not as exciting as AI2 when they "rejoiced in rooting for the underdog that was Clay Aiken."
• DVD Verdict - a review of a new DVD set for FOX's TV show "The Loop". During one of the episodes earlier this season, an "I Love Clay Aiken" shirt was spotted -

  Add to that drunken egg-eating contests, a burro race in Mexico, humans made out of cold cuts, Nair-induced crotch burns, 'I Love Clay Aiken' T-shirts, lewd references to hard drives, beer-drinking canines and diaper-clad chimpanzees.

• Raleigh News & Observer - mentions Clay's Aug. 10 concert in Cary, NC:

  Meanwhile, if you couldn't get tickets for Clay Aiken's ultra-exclusive Saturday charity gala at Raleigh's Capitol Club, he'll be singing out at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park on Aug. 10.

• 11 Eyewitness News-Raleigh/Durham/Fayettville - Article entitled "Judge Hears Aiken Lawsuit"

  The Clay Aiken lawsuit is expected to go before a Wake County judge. An author is suing Raleigh's favorite American Idol.
  
  Jeannie Holleman, the author of "Clay It Forward: The Unauthorized Biography" is suing Clay Aiken for emotional and punitive damages.
  She says Aiken, his family and associates ruined the sales of her book by denying the truth of the book and saying she is not a family friend.
  
  Aiken's attorneys have filed motions to dismiss the case.

• Clay Aiken, The Ideal Idol - A new poll is up at The Ideal Idol which asks, "What states would you like Clay to appear in concert that haven't been listed in the upcoming tour?" Scroll down a little and look for "POLL 3/28/07 NEW".
• Daily Gamecock... whatever this is. I wonder who on Earth keeps 20 Clay Aiken CDs at an athletic department...
  

  Instead of getting ornery with their girlfriends or crying after sex, they allegedly chose to break into the athletics department facilities and steal computers, money and 20 Clay Aiken CDs.

• Carolina On My Mind - Clay nation heating up this week with BAF gala on Saturday.
  

Bubel Aiken Foundation Opens Internet Auction

On the heels of Saturday's Champions For Change gala, The Bubel Aiken Foundation is allowing you to get in on a piece of the action... auction, to be accurate. Their online Live Auction runs until March 30, so you better get bidding if you want something like this nice autographed Invisible sheet music set.

For more information about the auction, visit the Bubel Aiken Foundation website.

Here are links to the items that are available for bidding:

• Clay & friends items
• Vacation packages
• Artwork
  

Beta Alpha Teams To Be Honored At Raleigh Gala

Another press release from EddieTheDawg.com (see it at Newswire Today) has been issued for the TBAF/Six Degrees program and the TBAF Champions For Change gala to be held on Saturday in Raleigh. According to the PR, Bubel Aiken Beta Alpha teams will be honored at the gala.

Don't forget, you have less than 6 days to donate to the Six Degrees program. The top 6 charities will receive a matching donation of up to $10,000 from actor Kevin Bacon. TBAF is currently #1!

Clay Aiken’s Charity for Inclusion of Children with Developmental Disabilities to Honor Volunteers

NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Fairfield, NC, United States, 03/25/2007 - Clay Aiken’s charity for inclusion of children with developmental disabilities is holding a Gala to honor volunteers and others on March 31st, when Kevin Bacon's SixDegrees.org contest for charities ends — and volunteers want Clay's charity to win.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (TBAF), Clay Aiken’s charity for the inclusion of children with developmental disabilities, is holding a Gala — and the Foundation's organization of volunteers are among the honorees. The TBAF annual Champions of Change Gala, to be held in Raleigh, NC on Saturday, March 31, celebrates people and organizations who have made outstanding efforts to open doors so children with special needs can be included in their communities. The event will feature a special performance by multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken.

On that same evening, Kevin Bacon's SixDegrees.org contest for charities to win $10,000 in matching funds also comes to an end — and hundreds of volunteers are working hard to keep TBAF on the winner's list.

Six of the SixDegrees.org charity badges with the highest number of donations will win a matching fund of up to $10,000 from Kevin Bacon — that could be an extra $10,000 over the $20,000 plus already donated to the TBAF badge. This young Foundation, that is making a difference in the lives of children with and without disabilities through programs of full inclusion, is currently in 2nd place — but anything could happen over the next five days until this challenge ends at midnight on March 31st.

Among Champions of Change honorees at the Gala are TBAF’s Voices of Beta Alpha volunteers, who have played an important role in the success of the TBAF Six Degrees charity badge fundraiser. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation's Beta Alpha chapters, established in twenty states and on nine message boards, actively raise significant funding and awareness to support the Foundation’s mission of full inclusion.

“I am proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees. Our own Beta Alpha volunteers’ passion and dedication to raising awareness all across the country should inspire all of us to use our voices to make a difference in our own communities for inclusion”, said Clay Aiken, co-founder of TBAF.

Anyone can help TBAF win the SixDegrees.org contest. To donate $10 or more through the TBAF badge, use the click Here To Donate link on this press release or visit the awAikening.org TBAF Six Degrees Charity Badge page.

Bubel Aiken Foundation Issues PR For Upcoming Raleigh Gala

The Bubel Aiken Foundation has issued a press release for the upcoming Raleigh BAF "Champions for Change" gala to be held on March 31.

Mar 31: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Hosts Champion for Change Gala at Raleigh’s Cardinal Club (Raleigh)


Raleigh, NC- The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (TBAF) will be hosting its annual Champion of Change Gala, Saturday, March 31, at the Cardinal Club in Raleigh. The Gala honors individuals and groups who have created opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in all that life has to offer.

The event will feature a special performance by multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken as well as an exquisite three-course dinner from Executive Chief Fred Leach, compliments of the Cardinal Club. Lynda Loveland, local news anchor for WRAL-TV, will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Champion of Change awards will be given to State Farm Insurance, Coach Jim Johnson, TBAF’s Voices of Beta Alpha volunteers and Youth Honoree, Jonathan Bunzey.

“I am proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees. State Farm Insurance’s corporate commitment to seeing communities become places where all children can participate, our own Beta Alpha volunteers’ passion and dedication to raising awareness all across the country, Coach Jim Johnson’s decision to include a child in an event that in turn gave hope to countless people, and Jonathan Bunzey’s willingness to take the benefits from his own experience and turn it around to help others should inspire all of us to use our voices to make a difference in our own communities for inclusion”, said Clay Aiken, co-founder of TBAF.

State Farm Insurance has teamed with TBAF to provide much needed funding that will spur the development of an educational curriculum focused on teaching social and life skills to children of all abilities. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation’s K-12 Inclusive Community Service Project is designed to address factors that impede the successful inclusion of children with disabilities both in school and in the community. With State Farm’s help, the Inclusive Community Service Project will create awareness about the abilities of all young people. We will be able to change the attitudes and behaviors that stigmatize and exclude children with disabilities from all that life has to offer. Together, State Farm and The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will foster real life experiences that promote the positive role full inclusion will play in all our lives and the lives of generations to come.

In July 2006, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation formalized its volunteer efforts in an initiative called the Voices of Beta Alpha. Over the course of several months, Beta Alpha chapters have been established in twenty states and on nine message boards. Chapters have been actively doing fundraisers ranging from jewelry sales to trivia nights raising significant funding to support the Foundation’s mission of full inclusion.

On February 13, 2006, Champion of Change Honoree, Coach Jim Johnson made the kindhearted gesture of inserting his team manager who has autism, Jason McElwain—now known to the world as J-Mac—into Greece Athena High School’s final home game, which the Trojans won 79-43. J-Mac scored 20 points in just over four minutes, including six three-point baskets, to become an instant national celebrity. Johnson is being honored as a Champion of Change for his commitment to including everyone on his team and making a decision for inclusion that has brought to light the possibilities that including children with disabilities can bring not only for the particular child but also for an entire community.

For the past four years, Jonathan Bunzey, the Champion of Change Youth Honoree, has worked on the We Build People Campaign at the A.E. Finley YMCA in Raleigh, NC. He raises money for kids with special needs to be able to have the same, fun camp experience at the YMCA that he has had. In his first year with the campaign, he raised around $700. Three years later, Jonathan challenged himself and raised $6400.

“The Bubel/Aiken Foundation believes it’s time to include all children in community programs. We would like everyone to understand that inclusion benefits children with and without disabilities. The Foundation is committed to creating communities where ALL children can learn, live and play together. My sincere thanks go out to the Cardinal Club for embracing the mission of our foundation by hosting this gala. I’m grateful for everyone’s support and participation. My hope is that together, we can make our world a better place for ALL children”, said Diane Bubel, co-founder. Bubel will be speaking at the Gala.

The Cardinal Club is located on the 28th floor of the Wachovia Capital Center Building, 150 Fayetteville Street Mall. The event begins at 7 pm. Tickets for the event are sold out.

About TBAF: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will serve to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. By providing services and financial assistance, TBAF supports communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open. It is their goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced. To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or ways to get involved visit their website at www.bubelaiken.org.

About Cardinal Club: The Cardinal Club provides an elegant gathering place for North Carolina's business and social communities. As a respite from a busy world, the Cardinal Club's atmosphere encourages Members to enjoy family and friends, foster new relationships and expand personal and professional horizons, all in a world-class setting of comfort, privacy and uncompromising quality. As an integral part of its community, the Cardinal Club is committed to Raleigh's development and prosperity and to being the employer of choice in the Raleigh area hospitality industry. Visit them on the web at www.cardinal-club.com

The Bubel Aiken Foundation Gala Sold Out

According to an article in the Raleigh Chronicle, the March 31 Gala, or as they call it "a special Clay Aiken concert", has sold out. The Chronicle got this news from the Cardinal Club where the Gala will be held.

The Chronicle tells us:

The special concert called "Champions of Change" will benefit Clay Aiken's charity, the Bubel Aiken Foundation which helps sponsor programs for children with disabilities.

According to the concert poster, the concert "will provide scholarships for children with special needs to be included in programs and activities that will allow them to learn and play and have fun."

The Chronicle also quotes TBAF's website as saying, "Both Clay and Diane had witnessed children with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities opened to typical children...they knew with the right support system doors could be opened to these individuals that had thus far remained closed."

The Gala is approximately two weeks away. CDD will post all news that we find both leading up to and after The Gala.

... Well That Was Fast - BAF Gala Sells Out

Hours after going on sale yesterday, tickets to the 2007 Bubel Aiken Foundation Champions For Change gala were sold out - unless you are ready to shell out $10,000 for a "Gold" table or $25,000 for a "Platinum" table. Anybody who tries to order Bronze or Silver level tickets, available for under $175 were given this message from the Bubel Aiken Foundation website:

Thank you for your order. Please remember that if any item on your
order is on backorder, the entire order will be held until we can ship your
entire order. Please print this page for your records.
If you have any questions about your order, please Contact Us.

The gala will be held on March 31, 2007 at the Cardinal Club in downtown Raleigh. Clay is scheduled to make an appearance.