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Update

The new information for this project can be found at

NATIONAL INCLUSION PROJECT – PEPSI REFRESH

It is September 1st and it is the first day of voting for The National Inclusion Project at The Pepsi Challenge.  This is our opportunity to help raise money and support for Clay Aiken’s very own charity.  It won’t cost anything to help and it will take about 1 minute of each day.

In an e-mail, the National Inclusion Project wrote:

The Pepsi challenge is a month-long activity with each registered person able to vote daily through email, Facebook, and/or texting. We have entered the competition for $50,000 and there are 10 winners each month so there is plenty room for our partners and the Project to win.

Please help us achieve success with the Pepsi Refresh Challenge! We need you to vote daily and encourage your friends, neighbors, and anyone else you can think of to vote. You do not need to have a Facebook account to participate, but you will need to setup an account with Pepsi at www.refresheverything.com. It will take only a couple of minutes and then login daily to vote. To sign up for a daily email reminder, visit us at www.inclusionproject.org/pepsi.

Together we can do this and continue to make a difference in the lives of children, thanks for your continued and dedicated support!

According to Aron Hall, the director of Services at the National Inclusion Project, the Pepsi Challenge does not give out the complete details until the last minute.  So, the first place to get the instructions will be in the daily reminder from The National Inclusion Project.   And, of course, we will publish all the details as soon as we get them.

Aron was kind enough to send us a wonderful letter he received from a parent.  He said we could share it with you.

“I just wanted to personally thank you for making room this summer for Jonathan to participate in the inclusion camp.  He absolutely loved it.  He liked the routine, games and counselors and of course friends he met at the camp.  He was the camper of the day for a few times and we were so proud of him.  It has been more than a week since his last day at camp; he continues talking about what he would have done now at the camp if he were there.  I think he gains more confidence and has gotten more comfortable being around with other kids.  I think we made the right move.  You have done a wonderful job in finding all those energetic, helpful and enthusiastic counselors.  Again, I can go on and on about his camp experience and have nothing negative to say about the camp.

We thank you for providing such a wonderful camp for our children.  Please take care and we’ll see you next summer.”

This is why our votes are so important!!


So………lets put this challenge at the top of our “to-do” list.  AND, don’t be surprised when we remind you often about the importance of voting this month.  I believe we will all feel  good as we watch  our votes make a difference!

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To

The National Inclusion Project

 

Winner of

$20,000

from

Chase Community Giving


A Big

to all the fans

for all the hard work!!

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Congratulations to The National Inclusion Project. It was announced that they received a $35,000 grant from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust.  The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust has a budget of $6.3 million for grants that support causes including children with disabilities as well as nonprofits that provide health care services to the uninsured and medically at-risk populations.

The following information about this new grant is found on the National Inclusion Foundation web page.

Building on a three-year partnership, the National Inclusion Project and the National Summer Learning Association will create a distinct and powerful new force for change in the field of summer learning for all children, especially those with disabilities. The partners will expand access to high-quality inclusive summer learning opportunities for young people by developing a summer learning curriculum to help summer camps fully include youth with disabilities.  Research suggests that inclusive summer learning programs can prevent summer learning loss and promote academic achievement for all children and youth, foster positive relationships between children with and without disabilities and adults, and promote improved peer relationships and acceptance of diversity. “We are excited to partner with CVS Caremark to continue leading the way in creating inclusive opportunities for children nationwide,” said Clay Aiken, co-founder of the National Inclusion Project.

“In today’s challenging economy, it’s more important than ever to support organizations that can have a positive impact on children with disabilities,” said Eileen Howard Dunn, Vice President, CVS Caremark Charitable Trust. “We’re proud to support the National Inclusion Project and the wonderful services provided by their programs and we wish them continued success in 2010.”

The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust’s grant to the National Inclusion Project is part of $6.3 million in grants given to nonprofit organizations across the country in 2009. A number of these grants align with CVS Caremark All Kids Can, the company’s signature philanthropic program focused on supporting children with disabilities by raising awareness about inclusion, creating greater opportunities for physical activity and play, and providing access to medical rehabilitation and related services.

Other CVS Caremark Charitable Trust grants provide support for medical services for the uninsured, grants to pharmacy schools, scholarships for the children of CVS Caremark colleagues and funding for community organizations for which CVS Caremark colleagues act as volunteers.

There are so many ways that we can support The National Inclusion Project. This organization is an important part of life for Clay Aiken.  It has been amazing to watch it grow into the leader in the field of Inclusion.  At this time when money is tight for almost everyone, it is important that we look for innovative ways that we can support the Project.  It is always great and important to see corporate support so that many kids can be supported.

To learn more about the National Inclusion Project or ways to get involved, visit their Web site at www.inclusionproject.org.

The following are a few pictures of Clay attending the National Inclusion Project Galas.

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Camp El Tesoro is in Granbury, Texas.  It has been around for 75 years. It provides a wonderful atmosphere for children and teens.  Families have attended for generations.

Set on 228-acres, the year-round overnight camp is located southwest of Fort Worth. During the summer, the camp is run by the Fort Worth Camp Fire USA First Texas Council. The children, ages 6 thru 16, have the opportunity to participate in canoeing, horseback riding, swimming and other traditional camping activities.

On Monday, March 22, 2010, it was announced that the Fort Worth Camp Fire Council had been awarded a $12,500 grant from the National Inclusion Project to help them expand their “Let’s All Play” recreational program.  The National Inclusion Project provides inclusion curriculum, training and financial assistance with partnering communities and programs.

Camp Fire was founded in 1910 by Luther Gulick, M.D., and his wife, Charlotte Gulick, as the first non-sectarian organization for girls in the United States. In 1975, the organization was expanded to include boys. Camp Fire USA is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo.

Camp Fire USAs mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. Their purpose is to provide opportunities for all children and youth, and those who care for them, to realize their potential and become caring, self-directed individuals.

As an inclusive organization, Camp Fire USA works to realize the dignity and worth of each individual and to eliminate human barriers based on all assumptions, which prejudge individuals. Programs supported by Camp Fire USA include after-school, camping, environmental education, child care advocacy and training, a child care and development center, child care resource and referral and service learning.

Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Camp Fire USA First Texas Council has built more than campfires since 1914. As one of the largest Camp Fire councils in the country, the First Texas Council provides programs in Tarrant, Denton, Parker, Johnson, Hood and Wise Counties.

Congratulations to the Fort Worth Camp Fire Council.  With the help of the National Inclusion Project, they will be able to help all children have an exciting summer.

A big thank you to Clay Aiken and the entire staff of the National Inclusion Project for all they have done for children.  It is exciting to see their work being done throughout the United States.

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We've been asked to post a new, updated invitation to the Clay Fan Fest:

“Clay Fan Fest”
National Inclusion Project Benefit
May 22nd & 23rd 2010
Yorktowne Hotel
48 E Market St. York, PA 17401

Would you like an opportunity to “meet up” with friends you have not seen for awhile or have never had an opportunity to meet? Are you interested in "kick Starting" what appears to be an exciting summer? Then this event is for you...hope you can join us in 2010!

Schedule of Events:

  • Saturday 10:30AM -1:30 PM- Welcome and registration in Hotel Lobby.
  • Saturday AM - A “Welcome to York” historic self walking tour ending at one of the nations oldest Farmers Market...a fun place to browse and enjoy a great lunch! Maps will be available at the registration table to do this at your leisure. www.yorkfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.
  • Saturday 2:00PM- Doors opens for Fan Party.
  • Saturday 2:30 -5:00 PM - The Fan Party with lots of fun and surprises.
  • Saturday 6:30 PM - A fully plated dinner with your choice from two entrees and a “wine pour”.
  • Saturday 8:30 PM - Introductions, announcements and closing remarks.
  • Sunday 8:30 AM - A “Goodbye Breakfast” with your choice from two specialty offerings.

We are hoping that this minimally structured schedule will allow your plenty of time for fellowship with old friends and will also offer an opportunity to make many new ones!

The cost to attend this two day event is $75.00 and is limited to the first 95 reservations. Payment in full is due by April 10th, 2010.

Room reservations will be the responsibility of each individual directly with the Hotel and is “NOT” part of the $75 event fee. There will be a block of rooms reserved and you will receive a discounted rate of $95 a night for both a single room with a king bed or a double room with two full size beds. Suites are also available but will not be part of the reserved block. To receive the discounted rate mention “Clay Fan Fest”. The cut off date for this special room rate is April 28th, 2010. This is a nice discount as the room rates are normally $139 a night. 1-800-233-9324

For those fans who will be driving, the Hotel offers free valet parking during the day only. Over night guests $8 per night.

This is a wonderful Historic Hotel with beautiful ambiance and a very helpful and friendly staff. This Hotel has hosted many famous people over the years including several past US Presidents and many well known stars! For more information about the hotel visit www.yorktowne.com. We are sure this will be a fun event and a weekend to be remembered!! All net profits from this event will be donated to the National Inclusion Project. Thanks for your support and interest in the “Clay Fan Fest” from South Central PA fans for CLAY AIKEN...Partners for National Inclusion!

UPDATE
News on Auction Items for Fan Fest 2010
We have acquired the late Bev McMullen entire collection of Clay memorabilia from the members of her family. Bev was a passionate Clay Fan and had quite a collection. I'm sure she would be delighted to know that we are using many of her "special" items for both our silent and verbal auctions. Featured will be several signed items and many "one of a kind" items. We will be using some of the other items for surprises!! Thanks to her family for donating this collection for Fan Fest and to benefit NIP.

We have gotten word from other fans who are donating very special items as well.....it will be a wonderful collection of items for everyone to bid on!

We are awaiting receipt of a "VERY SPECIAL" item and will share that info with everyone ASAP.

PS: Just a note to all fans who are flying into Harrisburg International.....there will be a shuttle service available to York and back again...please contact Cookie at djknappy.1@juno.com

Go to the Clay Fan Fest/National Inclusion Project Fundraiser Facebook page to read the complete invitation with all the information about the event, reservations and sign up form!

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Clay Aiken………your artistic skills are needed.

How are your painting skills??  Do you know someone else who is a creative artist??  OR……maybe you know a group of kids who would like to participate in a special project.  If the answer to any of these questions is yes, The National Inclusion Project has a great idea for you.

Named “Painted Bottoms,” the project is a creative fundraiser which allows an individual or a team to turn an unfinished oak rocker or chair into a fine work of art.

The finished chairs will be placed in one of the four categories and judged by a team from the Project.  The best chair from each category will be a part of the silent auction at the Champions Gala.  The best overall chair will be signed by Clay Aiken and be a part of the live auction at the Gala.

The four categories are:

  • Fan
  • Inclusion Awareness
  • Regional/State
  • Creative/Open

Any chair that is not chosen to come to the Gala can be used however you choose.  The National Inclusion Project suggests that you auction off your chair locally to help raise funds for the Project.  You also might choose to donate your chair.  If so, a brass plaque is available for $15 that can be mounted on the back of the chair.  It will say:

Donated on behalf of the National Inclusion Project
www.inclusionproject.org

There are two goals for this project.  First, it is a wonderful way for the National Inclusion Project to raise some needed funds for all their wonderful programs.  All proceeds from the sale of the chairs, plus the money from the auctions will benefit the Project.

The second goal of this program is to spread the word of the fine work that is done by the National Inclusion Project.  The chair will give you the opportunity to talk and spread the word about inclusion and the wonderful programs that are a part of the National Inclusion Project.

So………..are your creative juices flowing?  Are you ready to sponsor a chair?  If so, contact

The National Inclusion Project for more details.

According to their website:

The National Inclusion Project serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them. We support communities with inclusive programs and together create awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.


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Clay Aiken hosted a wonderful event on Monday.  Everything was planned and put together with a great deal of care.   The event gave us education, friendship, comedy and the best singing around.  Having just gotten home, I have just begun to check out the comments and "Clack" that are all about the wonderful concert that Clay Aiken gave on Monday night.  Seems like we are headed for a wonderful ride.

Nothing seemed more appropriate than to say no more and just put up some wonderful videos.  I know you can get them many places.  However, I don't think you can see them too often.  Enjoy!!




What Kind Of Fool

Impossible

Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You

Moonriver

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If you ever have the opportunity to see Clay Aiken perform live, be sure and attend.  I was at the Golfing event on February 1, 2010 at the Mirasol Country Club. The entire event was amazing.

Right now I am on a plane on my way home, remembering all the excitement from the event.

One of the things I remember the most are all the new friends I met.  So many people came up to say hello.  Clay fans have to be the most friendly people around.  You can never be lonely when you attend a Clay Aiken event.

Each person affiliated with The National Inclusion Project is extremely knowledgeable and excited about what they do. Each staff member greeted their guests and took the time to talk.  They made me feel as though I was an important person at the event.  I want to especially single out Diane.  She went out of her way to chat with people and she treated each one as a true friend.

And of course there is Clay Aiken.  He was so casual during the golfing event, joking and relaxed.  When he made his appearance at the dinner, his look was still casual, but stylish too.  It is wonderful to see him seemingly relaxed, happy, comfortable and looking forward to page two in his career.

The consummate  entertainer, he made us laugh and then turned around and held us mesmerized by his wonderful performances.  It was fun to hear the "ah" when he would start a new song, followed by a quiet audience, listening to each word and phrase.  His voice was magical and he is ready to entertain us!!

My battery is low on my laptop, so I will close by posting a few pictures.  Pictures are always good!!

All for now!!  When I am home, I will post some more pictures as they come in and we will get some videos up too.  Thanks for all your support!

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