Re: VIP ReceptionThis year, they did things a bit differently...much better.There were numbered, assigned tables set up, just like they do at the Gala...15 tables of 10 each. Each person received a very nice umbrella, with the National Inclusion Project logo. They should sell it on the website.An inclusive teen choir performed, followed by speeches by a mother and her 10-year old disabled daughter. The daughter introduced Clay and Diane. There was a Q & A, which lasted more than an hour. Desserts and beverages were served, while tables were called in for pictures.I liked having the tables. Much more relaxing.Clay looks good. I think he's lost more weight, but he's not too skinny. Spiked hair, highlights, nice suit.There will be 35 tables at the Gala, and I hear there will be jumbrotons. Good move! Lots of Clay silent auction items.Tonight's event started at 7 and ended at almost 10.
The National Inclusion Project hosted an exciting and informative program Friday night at the Raleigh Convention Center. Billed as a VIP Reception, the Project presented a program filled with music and news about the organization.Fourteen tables of Vip Sponsors were greeted by Jerry Aiken who thanked the audience for their support of the National Inclusion Project. He then introduced Voices For All.Voices For All is a partnership between Voices Together in Education, a therapeutic program for Exceptional Children and Jill Boliek’s advanced girl’s choir at Riverside High School in Durham. They work together to build a musical experience and a place to expand understanding between two groups of students.The choir sang two beautiful songs. It was wonderful to see the joy and excitement that music and performing brings to all the students. Each member brought their own special voice to the performance and received a standing ovation for their exciting and touching performance.Following the choir performance, the audience was introduced to Katie Holmes and her daughter, Tia Holmes. Tia is an eighth grader who advocates for inclusion for all. This young lady who has CP is a wonderful public speaker who told the audience of her pro-active experiences in pushing for inclusion for all. Both Tia and her mom have real experiences that they can share with the world. What a treat to hear from both of them.Clay and Diane Bubel hosted a question and answer session that was very popular. They fielded questions about the Project. It was a lively discussion about what the National Inclusion does and what they cannot do. They discussed short and long term goals and emphasized the need to educate more people about Inclusion. It is not a word that is understood by all. Faye Parker challenged the VIP members to make sure they bring a guest to the Gala next year.The evening ended with dessert and pictures with Clay.The evening was informative and with Clay on the stage, it was also filled with lots of fun comments. He brought a bit of humor to an important topic. It was a great start to a wonderful National Inclusion Project weekend.
Clay auctioned off his gold lame Hammer pants for $3, 500. Clay went out to the car to get his black Hammer pants and said if someone bid on them they could help put them on him. Jerome is now modeling them. They went for $3,400.First plaque Clay ever received from RCA, (signed by Clay) went for $6,500.00.Clay said this was his favorite item they have ever auctioned off in all these years, both at the Galas and the GFI - an original piece of art created by Mike Bubel. Clay started the bidding at $500. It sold for $2,300.Dinner with Clay, and guest, with 10 people in a city of your choice sold for $32,000.Dutch auction. Clay wrote a check to send 10 kids to camp. $250@ He's asking how many others in the room will send 10 kids....now 9 kids, now 8, 7 kids, etc....all the way down to one child to camp.He's getting a lot of response. I wonder how many they will end up with at the end.
Gala: Auction - Spam poster with CLay, LOTL and the King. Sold for $3200. Gold lame hammer pants up with tear away velcro as demonstrated by Clay. Sold for $3500 to deborah760. First single platinum plaque ever Clay ever received from RCA. Sold for $6500. Black hammer pants that Clay ran out to the car to get. Jerome is modeling! $3400
Gala: Hand painted little chairs with cute inclusion quote painted on it. $700. Original Michael Bubel art peice. Clay's favorite auction item ever and he started off the bidding. $2200. Dinner with Clay, friend of his, and 9 of your friends in city of your choice. Last two dinners he did were between 3-4 hours. Will only do one dinner. Sold for $32,000
Dutch Auction now: Raise your hand if you will send 10 kids to camp at $250 for each camp. Now working back down to 1. National Inclusion Project staff are writing down the bidder numbers who raise their paddle for each level. It seems to be raising a lot of money. There are a tons of people who have been able to send at least one kid to camp. This sounds incredibly successful. His college professor speaking now to induce the music the portion of the show. He starts with It's a Kind of Hush.
icians on stage with Clay: Drums (Sean), bass, piano (Ben), guitar (Sam?), computer (horns & strings) Very jazzy. It's Only Make Believe. What Kind of Fool Am I? (He thanked Mr Sanborn for his [canned] contribution. ) Build me up Buttercup Next gala will probably auction off the chance to pick a song that will be sung on the next tour. New Song: This song was suggested by someone who won a dinner at an earlier auction. Debra Leicey is signing this song. Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell! This sounds awesome.
notacanuck at CC:QUOTE Grammy submission lists have leaked. Here are Clay's submissions (that I know about so far)Best Pop Vocal Performance MaleUnchained Melody - Clay AikenBest Pop Collaboration with VocalsCrying - Clay Aiken & Linda EderBest Long Form VideoClay Aiken, Tried & True Live!Album of the YearClay Aiken, Tried & True
