Clay Aiken fans are the best people around. They are always looking for what they can do to help others. Here are a few things that we can do for the National Inclusion Project and to support Clay and his career.
Sometimes change begins with something as simple as a concert ticket.
The Way We Make a Difference began with a simple idea – that of fostering the cause of inclusion with a donated concert ticket. The program was created by a group of Clay Aiken fans who represented many of the active Clay Aiken Fan Boards. With the beginning of Clay’s first Solo Tour in the summer of 2004, the program was launched.
The goal of TWWMAD is to promote inclusion by offering a chance for people with and without disabilities to share in the excitement of seeing Clay Aiken in concert.
The project has accomplished much more than their members ever dreamed it might. During the first tour, almost 1500 people were sent to see Clay perform. The committee of dedicated ladies worked with local chapters of Best Buddies, Special Olympics, YMCA, Ronald McDonald Houses and local group homes and centers for independent living.
A wonderful off-shoot of the program is the chance to spread the news about the National Inclusion Project. Many people know Clay Aiken, the performer, but do not know about his work with inclusion.
According to the website for this great program, the volunteers thank Clay Aiken fans for their support.
“In your own way, each of you who has contributed to this project, whether it be with a ticket donation, a CD, a kind word or a prayer for our success, you too have stood up for those without a voice and we’re so very grateful to you for that. What you have done with your support speaks to the very heart of what Clay is trying to accomplish.
…what we’ve learned most of all…is how powerful we can be when we work together to make a difference.”
These wonderful ladies are back, supporting Inclusion for all. The following is the announcement about their involvement in the up-coming concert in Raleigh.
The Way We Make A Difference Ticket Project would like to announce that we are accepting donations of tickets for Clay’s upcoming concert to be held Friday, March 12, in Raleigh. We are seeking donation of tickets ONLY. If you are someone who has upgraded your seats and finds you have an extra ticket or two to donate, we would welcome them!
For anyone not familiar with our project, TWWMAD promotes inclusion by offering a chance for people with and without disabilities to share in the excitement of seeing Clay in concert.
If you have tickets you would like to donate, please email thewaywemakeadifference or ticketdonation
Thanks!!
For another look at the project visit Carolina On My Mind
Last October, at the National Inclusion Project’s Gala, The Sparkle Effect was honored with a Champions Award.
Sarah Cronk and Sarah Herr, two varsity cheerleaders from Pleasant Valley High School in Iowa founded the Sparkle Effect, a non-profit organization that encourages high school students across the country to include children with special needs on their cheerleading squads. The two Sarahs accepted the award and were joined on stage by Emily Finn, a cheerleader with Down Syndrome, who participates on the Sparkle squad.
The Sparkle Effect is trying to raise more money for their project and are in the running for some grant money. We can help them by voting for them either through Facebook or through the site linked below. To find them, look under $25,000. At last look, they were in 5th position.
Have you had a chance to visit the Clay Aiken Fan page at Decca? It certainly is not complete, but they have added three videos to the Media Page. It is important that each one of us visit the site and watch the videos. It is important that Decca knows how excited we are about Clay’s new CD and that he has lots of support from his fans.
I love the idea of passing on tickets to others. What a wonderful idea.
I did vote for the Sparkle Effect. It would be fun to think we could help them win some money.
Thank you for this wonderful article highlighting the ways that Clay Aiken fans have made a difference in the lives of others. What an inspiration they are!
Good Morning.
I voted for the Sparkle Effect. Such great ideas.
Love the passing on of tickets to those that would not be able to attend any other way. I always find that Clay fans are so generous of their time and always there to help lend a hand, whether financially or just hands on. Great people. But then Clay has inspired us to do so… It's all good!
Thanks so much for highlighting TWWMAD. We really appreciate it!
The Way We Make A Difference is such a worthwhile organization. I can not think of anything better than giving away the tickets that we cannot use to someone that will be so happy to go to a Clay
Aiken Concert. I have voted for the Sparkle Girls.
I go to Clay's Vevo page on Decca every day to play his video's. In fact, several of his video's are showing up on Decca's page as top played. This is all good publicity for Clay.
Clay Aiken fans do make a difference.
Musicfan,
Excellent blog on The Way We Make a Difference and The Sparkle Effect, two projects that exemplify what Clay Aiken is all about! Fortunately, he has made his fans more aware of what we, too, can do for others.
Have a super week!
Caro
I voted for the Sparkle Effect too.
The ticket project is a wonderful way to put into action Clay's message of inclusion.
Thank you, I didn't know about this project.
I was totally unaware of the TWWMAD, what a great idea. It still amazes me how Clay Aiken has influenced our lives for the better by inspiring us to remember the needs of others. We all need to do our part by going to the DECCA sight daily and showing our support of Clays video's. This is a great place to come to find great articles and news. Thanks.
The Way We Make a Difference is a terrific organization! Thank you for highlighting them in your blog.
Thank you for the great blog calling attention to the Sparkle Effect and The Way We Make a Difference! It's heartwarming to see how people come together to help others.