There is nothing like Central Park on an early spring Sunday.
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Jerome Bell has been Clay Aiken’s bodyguard and friend since Clay was on tour with Season 2 – American Idol. They have spent hours together, touring, traveling, and have become close friends.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Jerome was going to be the Keynote speaker at the National Inclusion Projects’ Founders Gala. The Project said:
Jerome Bell’s warm smile and welcoming laugh have been a Gala constant for 15 years. He’s been there every step of the way as a professional, a supporter, and a friend. From his 6’7” vantage, he has watched over all of us, literally and figuratively.
No Gala would be complete without Jerome.
A steadfast advocate of inclusion, we were honored to name him a Founders’ Award winner in 2017. Now, as keynote speaker, Jerome will be speaking for the first time about his personal experience with disability and inclusion, the depth of which took on a whole new meaning after he suffered a serious, life-altering work accident in the fall of 2016.
I am so glad that we will have the opportunity to hear from Jerome.
Most of us know that on November 21, 2016 Jerome’s life changed. While working an event in Atlanta, Jerome was struck by a malfunctioning forklift. The injuries that resulted were devastating. In addition to shattered pelvis and multiple breaks in his right leg, doctors were forced to amputate his left leg from mid-thigh. He also sustained traumatic injuries to internal organs.
But Jerome is an amazing man and he is living a difficult, but inspiring life. I know that he will help us all understand more about Inclusion and how it helps everyone!
One of my favorite memories of “the fun” Jerome took place in San Francisco at the final Tried & True concert. I will never forget sitting there and hearing Clays voice filling the theatre from backstage. And when the curtains parted, we all looked up to see JEROME standing at the mike, pretending that he was the artist for the night! It was a fun touch for the final concert.
The following video by the talented SueReu is from the San Francisco concert. The video highlights Clay’s voice and throws in the moment Jerome is seen on the stage. I hope you will take a few minutes and watch it. Clay sounds wonderful and Jerome will make you smile!
Have you bought your tickets to the Gala yet?
I think it is going to be wonderful and full of joy, education and dedication to a wonderful organization.
Oh, wait…Clay will be there too!
I am so excited about Jerome being the keynote speaker! He was my first guess and wish and it has come true! He will be such a great and very inspiring
speaker and I am sure he will make us laugh, too! My hope is that many will be able to attend this years Gala – it will be amazing and awesome! Jerome
speaking and Clay’s Concert! You can’t ask for more!!
I am so excited about Jerome being the keynote speaker! He was my first guess and wish and it has come true! He will be such a great and very inspiring
speaker and I am sure he will make us laugh, too! My hope is that many will be able to attend this years Gala – it will be amazing and awesome! Jerome
speaking and Clay’s Concert! You can’t ask for more!!
I am not sure my first comment posted – I just wanted to say that I am so excited about Jerome being the keynote speaker for this years Gala! It was my first guess and wish!
He will be inspirational and funny, too – I am sure! Hope many attend!
Jerome speaking and Clay's Concert! Awesome and amazing!
Jerome–a perfect choice to be the keynote speaker for the Gala! Thank you, CANN for the video of OMC performing "Where Do I Begin"
Thank you for the video. The only time I saw Clay in concert was on this tour in Penna. I will not forget . This is one of my favorite songs that Clay sings. His voice is magic. It was very funny to see Jerome in the video. I will not be able to go to the Gala. I hope everyone has a good time to see Clay singing and to hear Jerome as the guest speaker.
Oh that voice! How majestic. God bless Jerome.
I am so very happy to hear that Jerome will be the keynote speaker!!!! God bless him what he's been through. I cannot wait to be at this gala!!!! SueRue thank you for the wonderful video!!!
I wont be able to atend this years gala oh that voice of clays when he sings how amazing and Jerome is the key note speacker wow have a nice time at the gala to those whom are going