On Friday night, The National Inclusion Project presented a  reception for Platinum, Gold,and Silver Sponsors and Honored Guests.  The event was held at the Fletcher Auditorium, a small intimate theatre at the Progress Energy Center.

After entering the venue, guests had an opportunity to enjoy some beautiful desserts, peruse the Silent Auction items, and have their pictures taken with Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel.

Following the picture taking, the guests entered the theatre for an inspirational evening filled with information about the long term and immediate goals of the National Inclusion Project. The Executive Director, Jerry Aiken greeted the guests, then introduced Diane Bubel and Clay Aiken, co-founders of the organization.  Diane and Clay sat on stools at the front of the stage and answered questions asked by members of the audience.  They included other members of the staff in answering some of the questions and were able to give much information to the Sponsors.

Clay was fashionably attired in a casual outfit that included a green shirt and tie, jeans ,and a gorgeous cable sweater.  It was fun to see Kristy still working hard even though she is expecting her 2 nd child soon.

The discussion about The National Inclusion Project was full of excitement, hope, and inspiration and even a few laughs.  I left with a question to myself…”What More Can I Do To Help Out?” The staffs excitement was contagious and hopefully, each sponsor was filled with a renewed sense of dedication to the Project.

A highlight of the evening was the mini concert performed by the famous actor, Chris Burke. Chris was joined by Joe and John DeMasi who sang, played the guitar and entertained the crowd.  All three performers seemed to have a great time on stage and engaged the crowd in their uplifting songs.

The program started and ended with Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.  This fun song was the theme song from the television show, Life Goes On.  Chris had a leading role in this award-winning series.  The musicians also taught the audience some sign language so we could participate in one of the songs.

The entire evening was an exciting start to a full week-end of fun and celebration.  It is so exciting to see the National Inclusion Project grow and develop into the leading organization about Inclusion.  And, I am sure we will see so much more in the future.

On Friday morning, two busloads of fans took a wonderful tour of what I would call “The Clay Aiken – Raleigh Tour.  We saw so much as we traveled to see some of the spots that were important places in “Clay Events.”  I took loads of pictures of the sites and will post some tomorrow morning.  It is already almost 1AM and I need to get some sleep.  Come back soon to see Leesville Baptist Church, the Mecca restaurant where Clay had some pictures taken, and many more sites.

A huge thank you to all the readers who have said hello.  It is so nice to be able to put a face to a name.  I hope I meet many more tomorrow.

Tomorrow, the exciting weekend will continue with a wonderful carnival, a lavish luncheon, and opportunities to bid on the silent auction items.  The evening will be capped off with the presentation of the Champions, a live auction, and entertainment by Clay Aiken.  What a wonderful way to spend a week-end.