Do you have a big red circle around October 27-28?  I sure hope so because that is when we will be celebrating Friendship at the National Inclusion Project Champions Gala!

I have always enjoyed attending the Gala each year, but when I saw the theme this year, I got a bit more excited than usual.  It reminds me of all the friends I have all over the world that I have made because of Clay Aiken and The National Inclusion Project.

My excitement grew a bit more this past week when the Project announced the special honorees that were selected this year.  Both seem like amazing people.

According to the National Inclusion Project:

Champions of Inclusion are selected by the National Inclusion Project for their considerable efforts to ensure no one sits on the sidelines. They are working to make sure that all people can be included together and to inspire everyone to chase their dreams.

Sparsh Shah is being honored for his overwhelming positive spirit and for inspiring everyone to change “Impossible to I’m Possible!”

14 year old Sparsh was born with an incurable disease called Osteogenesis Imperfecta.  This means his bones are extremely fragile and brittle.  He cannot bear weight on his hands and legs so he cannot walk or run like other normal kids.

Sparsh has a wonderful voice and a brilliant mind.  He has already written 16 songs and has been on many radio and television shows.  I am really looking forward to hearing him speak and especially  look forward to hearing him sing.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee   is being honored for promoting the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities every day through their coffee shop and beyond.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee headquarters is located in Wilmington, NC.  It is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee – it’s an experience. While the shop is run by people with IDD and the customers’ love the products, what they really come in for is the unique customer service experience. The current team of 40 employees have mastered the art of hospitality and make every customer feel special. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee creates a culture where diversity is not just appreciated, it’s celebrated.

Amy Wright is the co-founder and owner of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. Amy earned her BFA from the University of Cincinnati College – Conservatory of Music and even did a stint on Broadway.  Today, she and “Mr. Wright” are the proud parents of four amazing kids – their two youngest having Down Syndrome.  Amy says it makes them feel like they won the lottery twice.

You can read more about the honorees on the National Inclusion Project website…I think you will be very impressed!  HONOREEINFORMATION

Besides the wonderful honorees, there will be a live auction, a brief review of what the Project is doing by the Executive Director, Nick Leisey, and…Performances by Clay Aiken with a full band led by Ben Cohn.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets to the Champions Gala, you can purchase them through the internet.  The tickets range from $250 to $2,500.00.  The wonderful Gala program will be on Saturday night at The McGlohon Theater in downtown Charlotte, NC.   TICKETINFO

There will be many other events throughout the weekend.

Pre-Party – Friday, Oct 27th 6:30pm – Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub

Afterparty – Saturday, Oct 28th 11pm – Carolina Ale House

Let’s ALL Play Games

 While catching up with friends and trying to win baskets on Saturday afternoon, join us for a game (or 5!).

Our Director of Programs Aron Hall will be hosting the games

Basket Benefit

A basket benefit provides multiple chances to win themed baskets or items. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase sheets of tickets –

25 tickets to a sheet for $25–and can use all 25 tickets as 25 chances for one particular basket of their liking or they can choose to use their 25 tickets as one chance each for 25 different baskets.

Founders Brunch

Platinum and Gold level attendees are invited to join co-founders Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel at the Founders’ Brunch held on Saturday, Oct 28th in the Omni Charlotte Ballroom. They look forward to meeting the new faces and catching up with old friends.

All in attendance will receive an individual picture with Clay and Diane and can look forward to a Q & A with them, as well as inspirational speakers (tba). It is a great opportunity to meet the original forces behind the National Inclusion Project and learn more in-depth details about its mission, direction and programming.

Now, that’s a lot to do in one weekend!  I am sure you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!!

The following are a few highlights from earlier Champions Gala!

I hope to see you at the National Inclusion Project Champions Gala!

It is a wonderful opportunity to support the Project and a way to celebrate the many friends we have made in the last 14 years!!