No Clay News To Report?? Well, This Time Last Year...

So its hard to find any Clay news to report on these days. Spamalot is over and our next Clay appearance apparently isn't until August. In fact, here are the next three appearances that we are aware of:

• August - Paula Deen's Party (Food Network)
  This series is scheduled to be shown on Friday Nights at 10:00pm EDT
• October 18 - Champions of Change Gala (Raleigh) - Marriott
  
• Monday, January 26, 2009 - 2nd Annual Golfing for Inclusion
  Mirasol Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

We do expect to receive another UNICEF blog from Clay, but meanwhile, I thought it would be fun to look back at what was happening this time last year. Of course!! Clay's 2007 Summer Tour, The Soft Rock and a Hard Place Tour, was going on. He had already been to three different cities:

Wednesday July 4...Pizza Hut Park, Frisco Texas
Friday July 6...Jones Hall, Houston TX
Saturday July 7...The Brady Theater, Tulsa OK

Being from Texas I was, of course, beside myself, as were countless other Texas fans. And Oklahoma being just around the corner made for a nice trio of concerts! the weather even cooperated for the outdoor Frisco concert. It was somewhat cooler than normal July 4 weather in Dallas.

To think back on these three awesome concerts, here are some pictures and videos from each one. Enjoy and reminisce Clay's great summer tour of 2007.

FRISCO, TX, PIZZA HUT PARK - JULY 4








HOUSTON, TX, JONES HALL - JULY 6








TULSA, OK, The Brady Theater - July 7

TBAF Announces 2nd Annual Golfing for Inclusion

This year's first Bubel Aiken Foundation Golfing for Inclusion was such a massive fundraising success that the TBAF is now making turning it into an annual event.

The 2009 event, to be held on January 26, 2009, will once again be hosted by the Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. More information will be posted to the Bubel Aiken Foundation website in the near future.

Highlights, Photos from Golfing For Inclusion on TBAF Website

The Bubel Aiken Foundation website has several photos and a detailed recap of their January 7, 2008 Golfing for Inclusion fundraiser held in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation held its first annual golf tournament, Golfing for Inclusion on January 7, 2008 at Mirasol Country Club. The event was co-hosted by Clay Aiken and PGA professional Wayne Player.

Supporters of TBAF played golf and participated in a post-golf celebration to benefit the Foundation's mission of inclusion for children with disabilities.

Full details can be seen at the TBAF website.

Great Recap From Golfer Fan at Golf Tournament

We have already had some great recaps of the Golfing For Inclusion Tournament and Auction from people who were there. Here's another great one from Pam, one of the golfers who also happens to be a fan. I found this one at The Clayboard, and Pam said I could include it here in Clay's Daily Double. Thank you Pam!! You might also have heard that Pam was chosen by Wayne Player to be a part of his golf clinic! You'll read about that, Clay, Jerome, the auction, and many other grand adventures that took place for Pam at the Tournament.

So enough of the introduction...here is Pam's fantastic recap:

Hi all!

WHEW! Finally back in town from Florida!

First off, let me say we can be so happy and proud to support an artist like Clay Aiken! No matter what the media, etc may want to say about the "fans" of Clay Aiken, after seeing how well Clay handled himself with this charity function we can always be proud.

Second, as I said before, he was drop dead gorgeous!

Here is our group pic for starters. If you don't know me I am in the black top with white collar.(see above)

And this is how the day went for me:

From the minute I stepped onto the Country club grounds I was treated like any other golfer who was a member there. Having just had lessons for a little over two months, I was very surprised and felt honored.

I was greeted at the Club house by a gentleman who took my clubs and assured me they would be well taken care of! Directed to the registration area, I met Christy Barnes, Aron Hall and Diane Bubel. Then searched for my golf clubs only to find out they had already been placed in a golf cart ready to go, with my name on the cart along with the three other members of the team I would be golfing with. In the golf cart were water, extra golf towels, etc for each golfer.

I then took a few clubs and headed down to the driving range (buckets of balls were provided free of charge!) and practiced for about one hour.

Then the fun really began! Back in the club house a gourmet breakfast had been provided for all. Since I already had made sure I had breakfast, I simply asked for water and sat down at a table with a couple of other folks.

I had no idea the two people at the table were Leslie the reporter from the Palm Beach Post and her photographer. She asked me if she could interview me and ask some questions and so we have a very good chat and basically told her what many have already read. Then Leslie looked around and said to me: " he just walked in". I said "pardon?". She said "Clay just walked in". I said "really", rather astonished because I saw no entourage (sp?) of people. In fact, there was Clay and Mary, I believe just standing there with no one approaching them, which is is really odd as we know when Clay is in the house!

I actually felt kind of bad (this was not a Clay Aiken fan crowd per se) which was good because he actually gained a ton of new fans!

So I told Leslie I was going to get up and go over and say hello, and I did. I went over, introduced myself and Clay was his usual gracious and pleasant self and shook my hand and greeted me in return and I returned to my table.

I also saw Jerome and greeted him. He remembered me from the Virgin Megastore CD signing because he and I worked together to make sure fans with physical challenges were seen first that day, so it was pleasant reunion for us. However, in all honesty I did not expect any further contact with Clay or Jerome the rest of the day. I was looking forward to the Golf Clinic with Wayne Player as I have been big fan of his father, Gary Player for years.

Next, I headed outside to golf clinic and at that time there were only two other golfers there, both women. I introduced myself to Wayne Player (he is very funny) and he asked what I was learning so far in my golf lessons. We chatted for a few minutes, and others started to arrive.

All of sudden Clay, Mary and Jerome arrived as well! It was a surprise to me, as per the program only Wayne Player was going to be there. However, it was delightful to see Clay participate and he came over to us, and asked the two other women there if they lived locally and when when they told where they lived, then Clay pointed to me and said "I know you are not from here", I replied, kind of suprised he would know that , "no, I am from California" Clay continued to pleasantly banter with us and then asked all what our handicap was. When he got to me I told him laughing I didn't want to tell him and he replied back laughing I could not be as bad as him. We all had few more laughs and then the golf clinic began.

Little did I know that having just met Wayne Player for the first time, that he was going to include me in his golf clinic as a guinea pig!

First he used Clay and you have all seen the adorable pics of that and Clay was very funny! It was really cute! He made his usual signature funny faces and self-deprecating funny remarks and I could see the crowd there was really enjoying the clinic and Clay. Then to my surprise Wayne called to me and said " Pam! Come up here!".

OMG!!!

So I walked up on the grass to Wayne and he explained he was going to demonstrate one of the golf shots with me right there in the shot range! He positioned me as he wanted me to stand and told me to stay still and just stand there, and assured me I would not get hit by the golf shot.

Then Clay yelled out "wait a minute, do we have her check yet?" That snark brought a round of laughter from the crowd and a reply from me to Clay that "yes, you have my check already!", and more laughter from the crowd.

I quickly made the sign of the cross, pressed my hands in prayer position, closed my eyes and then covered my face! I think several in the crowd laughed at this display!

Wayne took the shot! It went by me so fast I could feel the air! I took a sigh of relief I still had my face, and while Wayne was describing what he had just done and why, I tiptoed ever so quietly on the grass behind him and tried to return to my spot! He saw me out of the corner of his eye, whirled around comically and said " Pam! Get back here!" My plan to escape was foiled! The crowd laughed and I had to be the guinea pig again as he put me through a similar demonstration like Clays. Then I was set free, Wayne thanked me and asked to crowd to give a hand of applause for my participation.

It was all in good fun and I really enjoyed the clinic, my participation and Clay being his usually funny, happy self.

I thought, ok, that was completely unexpected and great and did not expect to see Clay anymore until the evening festivities.

But to our surprise, Clay came around to each golfing group while we were out on the course! When he arrived at our hole he got out of the cart and announced he was there to have a pic done with our group. When he walked up on the green he immediately asked the members of our group if I had been behaving myself, because if not they could kick me out! We all laughed and had a wonderful pic with Clay! ( see above). As Clay walked back to the cart and I walked to pic up my clubs and he said to me in his snarky way " behave yourself!". I replied "oh come on, we want to have fun!". He turned and laughed and got on his way!

And this experience was absolutely fun!

As far as the rest of the day, the dinner was yummy, Clay sang like an angel and continued to look gorgeous to boot! I did not speak with him again but many others did and he made many new fans at this event!

Jerome however, did suprise me at the end of the evening and came over to me at my table and expressed pleasure at seeing me again and wished me a good evening. Jerome of course, like Clay, another class act!

There were many things that happened in my life last week that tried to prevent me from attending this wonderful event, however I am so glad I went!

And for those who may wonder, I will say right here and now there is absolutely no reason for me to apply for a future meet with Clay for upcoming concerts.

This was the ultimate meet and greet!!

I wish everyone who wants to will be able to experience meeting this wonderful artist and human being!

Pam

"Golfing For Inclusion" Tournament, Auction A Big Success

From reports of people who were at the Golfing For Inclusion Tournament and the auction that evening, the entire tournament was a big success and brought in some big dollars for The Bubel Aiken Foundation.

Clay made the rounds during the tournament, chatting and taking pictures with the golfers. Most of the golfers did not go into the tournament as Clay fans. I think that changed for at least some of them once the tournament was over. Janiepain at The Clayboard tells us the following about her husband:

We just got home a little while ago, and all the way home my husband was calling his brother, and our kids telling them what a great guy Clay was and what a wonderful golf tournament he put on. You'd have to know my hubby to know this is BIG....he really is a true fan now. He has played in other golf tournnaments--a few years ago he played with Brian Hill, former coach of the Orlando Magic. I asked if he was as approachable as Clay and he said "not even close". He had his pics taken with Brian Hill, but Clay literally was "out and about" with the players all day.

Sally and Sharon at the Tournament sent messages from the tournament. Here is one about a non-fan who was impressed with Clay:

The gals are on their way back to their winter home and said it was probably going to be the highlight of their lives. It was worth every penny. Sally said a young 30'ish golfer (non-fan before today) told Sharon that Clay was fantastic. He said there is nobody out there quite like him. A woman at their table broke down and cried when Clay sang Unchained Melody. This was not a Clay crowd by any means, but I have a feeling they left as fans. Both of the man and the singer. Clay really worked the crowd and boy, do we know he can do that.

Tiffy52winkle at The Clayboard posted a recap from 2old4Clay at Clayversity. Here is part of that recap:

As we waited for all the golfers to return we were helping ourselves to the wonderful tables of food. They had a few chefs on hand making up some fresh pasta dishes also. During that time we able to view all the silent auction items and put in our bids.

They gave out the golf awards, those of which I know nothing about, except the people who joined our table came in 3rd with their score, and then another lady I met Sally (her sister Sharon was sending recaps over to the CB all day) won a poker tournament by drawing cards for a fee and seeing what kind of hand you come up with. I guess those that are familiar with this might understand it better than I.

Jerry Aiken spoke to open up the evening discussing the foundation and then introduced Bob Ferrone who told us about a man born with Downs Syndrome, Marty Sheets, who has accomplished so much in his life, one thing being named the PGA Volunteer of the Year in 2006. He is a National Special Olympics Champion and a golfer. I really can't remember all the things this man has accomplished but it is amazing. We all gave him a standing ovation when Mr. Ferrone was finished telling us of his life.

Then Diane Bubel spoke a little about her connection with Clay through her son and how the foundation was started.

After that Clay spoke also giving some history and introducing the video. This was the same video that was played at the Raleigh Gala I believe. But Aron was having a lot of problems with it, it would start and break up and then play and then he would start it over. Because of that Clay came up on stage and started to sing to give Aron some time to get the video going, that is when he sang I Can't Make You Love Me. Then back to the video....again it played for a minute or two and then froze up. So Clay I think then sang At This Moment. They finally gave up on the video, which was sort of disappointing because that really tells the story of what the Foundation is all about, it would have helped for the NJU people to have seen it in it's entirety.

Then the auction started, with Jerry Aiken trying to be the auctioneer and not having much success at anyone bidding, so Wayne Player got up and helped Jerry continue with the auction.

At the end of the auction, Clay said he had used up all his songs..he was only going to do a few and he already sang two... so people were making requests. He only did parts of a couple because I don't think impromptu was working well for the piano guy Ben Cohen. He didn't know the melody to When A Man Loves A Woman and so they were both 'winging' it in a way. Love of my Life was requested and they played with that a little too, but then he sang Get Here and Unchained Melody which was good ole Clay singing perfection IMO.

From people at the auction who called into The Clayboard, I have the following winning bids for auction items. Obviously there were other items for auction, but these are the only ones I have information about the final bid price.

• Cruise for ? (possibly 8?) - $900
• Dinner For 2 With Clay and a Horse and Carriage Ride in New York - $20,000 (Note: This turned into two Dinners For 2 With Clay and the Carriage Ride, 2 tickets to Spamalot and a backstage pass...a total of $40,000!!
• Trip to The Masters Tournament - $9,500

This was the "first annual" golf tournament, and since it was such a success, no doubt there will be more tournaments to come. Better get those golf clubs out and start practicing. You have one year to work on that swing!

Gorgeous Not-To-Be-Missed Picture of Clay From Tournament

We don't normally do an article based on a picture of Clay. But this picture (see above), taken at the dinner last night after the golf tournament, is worth 1000 words.

Enjoy!

Last Interview With Leslie Streeter from West Palm Beach Post is a Great One

Once again Leslie Streeter has outdone herself at her West Palm Beach Post blog site with a great interview with Clay. The interview, entitled Clay Aiken's Golf Tournament, Part 5: Hanging with Mr. Aiken!, has info about Clay's day at the tournament and about his role in Spamalot. One of my favorite comments from Clay is:

Q: So you mentioned "Spamlot." How is that going?
A: I've done it three days, and it is easily the hardest work I've ever done. I thought it would be tough, but I'll tell you what - it's work, work. There's so much information to absorb...

Q: Learning the lines?
A: No, the lines, I had memorized before I ever got there. It's the dance moves. They're like "Kick-ball-change-flip" and I'm like "What does that mean?"

Can't wait to see Clay doing the ol' "kick-ball-change-flip" during the musical!!

Check out the rest of the interview and maybe leave a thank you comment for Leslie. She did an outstanding job of interviewing Clay and reviewing the tournament for us!

Palm Beach Post Gives Us 4 "On The Spot" Articles from Golf Tournament (And Check Out The Pictures From The Tournament!)

First Leslie Streeter of the Palm Beach Post gave us a wonderful interview with Clay. Now she gives us four, count 'em, four great first hand reports from the Golfing For Inclusion Tournament that was held today. Each and every report is fantastic. Here are the links to each one, and a small quote to whet your appetite for more. Don't miss reading these. Oh, and Leslie tells us in the last one that she will have another interview with Clay for us tomorrow!

Report #1 - Clay Aiken's Golf Tournment: Beginning Golfers for Inclusion

As I write this, Clay Aiken is standing behind perusing the yogurt and fruit table at Mirasol Country Club, and I am trying not to look behind me because stalking is bad.

Report #2 - Clay Aiken's Golf Tournment, Part 2: It's the Clay and Wayne Show!

Clay told me a few weeks ago that he's not a good golfer, and Wayne himself joked this morning that he's probably a better singer than Clay is a golfer. But after twisting Clay around during his demonstration like a Stretch Armstrong doll, Wayne says he may have been wrong. I won't bore you with all the golf terms, because I don't know a dang thing about it, but basically Clay hasn't been good at golf because, he says, he's "duck-footed."

Report #3 - Clay Aiken's Golf Tournment, Part 3: You say "Clay," they say "Clayton"

For all the fanciness, Aunt Dianne says this is all a function of the foundation, and that the foundation is who Clay...er, Clayton really is.

"Sure, he can sing. He could always sing," she said. "Everybody has a job. But Clayton is the foundation. He loves this, and I love it. Hopefully, this will give these children an opportunity to go to camp and one day be able to touch our lives."

Report #4 - Clay Aiken's Golf Tournament, Part 4: My dinner with Clay!

"How many people have Clay as a back-up when something goes wrong?" his Uncle Jerry said.

None, actually. But that's something maybe we could bid on to support the foundation! You have a presentation, or a graduation speech, or an "American Idol" audition you aren't sure about? Hire Clay to jump in and sing something while you're regrouping!

Because I got a lot of good stuff in my one-on-one with Clay, I'm gonna save it until tomorrow, to keep you wanting more. Because I'm a big ol' tease.

Tidbits 1/7

• News 14 Carolina interviews Quiana Parler ahead of her big debut this Friday on Raleigh's version of "Dreamgirls". An interview is available in which she talks about touring with Clay -

  The lead in the show, Quiana Parler, talked to anchor Tracey Early about her character and working with Clay Aiken. View the video for this interview.
  

• 2Snaps.tv - Jonas Brothers to launch sophomore disc with help from Clay Aiken producer -

  Produced by John Fields (Rooney, Clay Aiken), who also manned the boards for the Bros.' platinum-plus self-titled debut, much of the new record was recorded on a tour bus while the band was on the road opening for Miley Cyrus for the sold out Hanna Montana "Best of Both Worlds" tour.

• BBC America - "Idol 2" drama being replayed in Britain ... on the charts -

  X Factor's Leon Jackson and Rhydian Roberts are shaping up to be the UK's answer to American Idol's Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. Likable winner with above-average talent beats campy vocal virtuoso but loses when it really matters - at the cash register.

• Carefair.com - Clay Aiken ... worst hair style? "The top three men on the male celebs worst hairstyle list were Kid Rock, Clay Aiken and Zac Efron."

• Taking A Moment gives us the Clay Aiken fan's "Golf Dictionary A-H"

  Albatross: “Spud got an albatross on that back nine dogleg.“ These are big white birds that like to fly around salmon boats and golf courses. It’s bad luck to hit one with a golf ball. This is why you hear golfers yelling “FOUR!!” That means somebody hit a whole slew of them, which means that golfer is pretty much screwed out of the big money that day, because it‘s a three stoke penalty for each one. An albatross is also a figure of speech that means a burden that people carry, such as hitting innocent albatrosses with golf balls. If Clay accidentally hit an albatross with a golf ball, or even a shotgun blast, it wouldn’t be his fault, though. The albatross probably had it coming.

• Carolina On My Mind - Clay ready to make Broadway debut -

  Clay Aiken is heading to the Great White Way ... From "American Idol" to Eric Idle's "Spamalot" ... Clay Aiken has found his Holy Grail: musical theater ... Clay Aiken Gets Medieval ... From tour-a-lot to "Spamalot" ... American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken is tackling the boards on Broadway ... "Spamalot" Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Claymates ...
  
  Remember these clever leads from the October press releases announcing that Clay Aiken will join the hit Broadway show "Spamalot"? In rehearsals now, Clay will play Sir Robin Jan. 18 - May 4.

Palm Beach Post Interview With Clay Highlights Golf Tournament

An interview in the Palm Beach Post entitled SIX QUESTIONS FOR CLAY AIKEN, by Leslie Gray Street, not only highlights Monday's "Golfing For Inclusion" Tournament, but also includes some great mentions of the fans by Clay.

When asked about the tournament Clay says:

My dream is that (the foundation) can exist, should exist, without me needing to carry it. We want (the fund-raiser) to be lucrative and at the same time, to appeal to people who definitely would not be the demographic that would show up for my Christmas tour.

Golf would definitely appeal to a group that would often (be dedicated) to philanthropy but probably not vote for American Idol.

Clay is also asked about the "Let All Play Together" program, which is a program where summer camps are inclusive of children with disabilities.

When asked about whether he would play golf, Clay, in his typical self-deprecating humor, said,

"I don't think that I could successfully do it. We'll do some sort of clinic that shows you what to do. I could show you what not to do. (If I played) we could be there all day long waiting for me."

In addition, Clay mentions the dedication of his fans, as well as his upcoming roles in Spamalot. Clay will play Sir Robin, as well as three or four minor roles. As for his fans, Clay sings their praises:

I often say that the coolest thing about (the fans) is not just that they come to shows, but that they do support things that are important to me, like UNICEF and causes that I support.

He goes on to tell some of the many things the fans do, including organizing t-ball teams to spread inclusion and organizing groups for Wrapping For Inclusion.

To read this entire interview, check it out at The Palm Beach Post. Its a must read!

--- --- ---

Update 4:51 PM: The Palm Beach Post has expanded today's coverage of the TBAF Golfing For Inclusion in a series of blogs from the Post's Leslie Gray Streeter:

• Palm Beach Post - "Clay Aiken's Golf Tournament: Beginning golfers for inclusion" -

  As I write this, Clay Aiken is standing behind perusing the yogurt and fruit table at Mirasol Country Club, and I am trying not to look behind me because stalking is bad.
  
  Clay's here for Golfing For Inclusion, the first-ever charity golf tournament to support the Bubel-Aiken Foundation and its efforts to make sure disabled kids have the facilities to be included in summer camp and recreational activities. Golf pro Wayne Player, who has a really great South African accent, is here to handle the golf clinic and other golfy stuff, because Clay admits he can't play golf at all.
  

• Palm Beach Post - "Clay Aiken's Golf Tournment, Part 2: It's the Clay and Wayne Show!" -

  Former US Open and British Open golfer Wayne Player, son of legend Gary Player, may not have had the career his dad did. But during this morning's golf clinic at Mirasol's "Golfing For Inclusion," he's proven to not only have a heck of a swing, but to be an energetic, theatrical teacher that might make him the Professor Harold Hill of golf ("He's the golfing man, and he gives golfing lessons to the swells in town!")
  
  For about 30 minutes, Wayne gave some pointers on golf, some ruminations on growing up in the light of his father, and made Clay Aiken his second banana. He also demonstrated how to properly aim a swing by not knocking off the head of our good friend and Clay fan Pam Bassett, who he had stand nervously behind him as he swung.
  
  "Do we have her check yet?" Clay joked, as Pam covered her eyes while Wayne swung and hit the ball, as promised, really far and nowhere near Pam's head. Everyone was impressed and Pam was happy to still have a head.
  
  Clay told me a few weeks ago that he's not a good golfer, and Wayne himself joked this morning that he's probably a better singer than Clay is a golfer. But after twisting Clay around during his demonstration like a Stretch Armstrong doll, Wayne says he may have been wrong. I won't bore you with all the golf terms, because I don't know a dang thing about it, but basically Clay hasn't been good at golf because, he says, he's "duck-footed."

• Palm Beach Post - "Clay Aiken's Golf Tournment, Part 3: You say 'Clay,' they say 'Clayton'" -

  I've hung out with so-called Claymates before, but the "Golfing For Inclusion" tournament here at Mirasol marks the first time I've ever met actual friends and families of Mr. Clay Aiken.
  
  Or should I say, Clayton. Because they do.
  
  The golf tournament's been going well, I guess - I've met several participants who are just big golfers and supporters of charity like realtor Susan Kohout, who organizes volunteers at big golf events, and some who are big Clay fans, like our friend Pam, and Chicago's own Michelle Manson, who's gotten involved in the Bubel-Aiken foundation and volunteered for their inclusive summer camp.
  
  "Sure, he can sing. He could always sing," she said. "Everybody has a job. But Clayton is the foundation. He loves this, and I love it. Hopefully, this will give these children an opportunity to go to camp and one day be able to touch our lives."
  

First Annual Golfing For Inclusion Tournament To Be Held in Florida on January 7; Golfing For Inclusion Auction Items Announced

The first annual "Golfing For Inclusion" Tournament will be held on Monday, January 7, 2008, at the Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The tournament will benefit the Bubel Aiken Foundation, and information about the times and cost can be found at the Bubel Aiken Golf Tournament page. You can also scroll down at this page and click the "Click Here To Register" button at the bottom right side of the page.

Clay gives us the following message about the Golf Tournament at the above mentioned Bubel Aiken page:

Please join me, John Hancock, American Portfolios Financial Services, and others for the first annual Golfing for Inclusion tournament to be held January 7, 2008 at the Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. What a way to get 2008 started with world-class golf, fabulous prizes, post-golf celebration, silent and live auctions, spectacular entertainment, and raising funds to help children with special needs!

At this time, there are seven corporate sponsors for the tournament, which can be viewed at the Bubel Aiken Corporate Sponsor page. These sponsors are:

• John Hancock Annuities
• American Portfolios
• Anoroc
• Edwin Watts Golf
• Marine Max
• Nicklaus Premium Golf Equipment
• Outback Steakhouse

Website links for each of these sponsors is also on this page.

Recommended lodging is at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, 561-622-8888.

If you'd like to have a great day of playing golf for a very worthy cause, check out the information at The Bubel Aiken Foundation website.

ADDED ONLINE AUCTION BIDDING INFORMATION:

Aron Hall at The Bubel Aiken Foundation has announced several of the live auction items from the Golf Tournament that will also be available for bidding online by the general public. These items are online at the BAF auction site. The one that everyone is really buzzing about is:

Lot #001: Dinner with Clay Aiken
Dinner for two with Clay Aiken and guest(s) in New York City plus a sightseeing carriage ride. This will have to be on a Monday night. Schedules must be flexible!
Minimum Bid: $5,000

Now how awesome would it be to win this item! Not only would you be donating a nice sum to BAF, but, well dinner with Clay in New York...what could be better than that?

Other items open for bidding until January 6 online are as follows:

Lot #002: Autographed Augusta National Masters Flag
One of the famous yellow flags from The Masters autographed by past Masters Champions Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player.
Minimum Bid: $2,000

Lot #003: 2008 Masters Experience for Two
Head to beautiful Augusta, Georgia in April 2008 for a Masters Experience which includes Thursday and Friday Masters Passes, lodging in local homes, food prepared by professional chefs, plus hospitality. Transportation is not included. www.masters.org
Minimum Bid: $7,500

Lot #004: Golf and Breakfast with Gary and Wayne Player
Enjoy breakfast and round of golf for you and three friends with Gary and Wayne Player in the Palm Beach area. Schedules must be flexible!
Minimum Bid: $15,000

Lot #005: Golf at the Floridian with Wayne Player
Play a round of golf with three of your friends and Wayne Player at the Floridian—the exclusive private golf club owned by Miami Dolphins’ owner Wayne Huizenga.
Minimum Bid: $3,500

Lot #006: Online Poker Lesson with Greg Raymer
Experience a one-hour online poker lesson with 2004 World Series of Poker Champion Greg Raymer. The lesson will include Greg Raymer guiding you playing poker plus a demonstration where Greg actually plays and explains his playing logic during hands. A rare opportunity from one of the best in the game!
Minimum Bid: $5,000

Instructions for bidding on these items online are as follows:

1. Bid by emailing aronhall@bubelaiken.org.
2. The Subject Line of the email should be "Golfing for Inclusion Auction Bid".
3. In the body of the email include the lot number and lot title. In addition, include your full name, phone number, address, and email.
4. In the body of the email, submit your MAXIMUM BID for the item. Submit bids in increments of $100.
5. Please only submit ONE (1) bid. Any bids under the minimum will not be considered.
6. The highest maximum bid will be sealed and then introduced to the live auction audience at Mirasol when their bidding has stopped. The live audience will be given the last chance to bid.
7. If your maximum bid is the winning bid, your purchase price will be $100 over the next highest bid.
8. We will contact you after the event only if you have won an item. We will make payment arrangements then.

Bidding Deadline: Sunday, January 6, 2008, 8 pm Eastern

You can find all of the above information about online bidding at the Golfing for Inclusion Auction Items page.

Ready...set...BID!

Clay To Host TBAF Golfing For Inclusion in January 2008

The Bubel Aiken Foundation's website confirms - Clay will be co-hosting the Bubel Aiken Foundation's first annual Golfing For Inclusion event to be held at Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on January 7, 2008.

In a video posted to the BAF website, Clay says:

Please join me, John Hancock, American Portfolios Financial Services, and others for the first annual Golfing for Inclusion tournament to be held January 7, 2008 at the Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. What a way to get 2008 started with world-class golf, fabulous prizes, post-golf celebration, silent and live auctions, spectacular entertainment, and raising funds to help children with special needs!

For more information about how you can attend this event, please consult the BAF website.