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!
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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."
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