Clay Aiken and The National Inclusion Project have worked with the Best Buddies program for many years.  It is a connection that makes a great deal of sense.  Both organizations have similar goals and the objective of inclusion for all is a part of their missions.

Through the National Inclusion Project, we were made aware that Best Buddies is in the running for a $250,000.00 Pepsi Refresh Grant………and they need our support.

From the Best Buddies website, I got the following information:

Best Buddies is in the running to receive a $250,000 Pepsi Refresh grant! We are seeking support for our 2010 Leadership Conference. This award will allow us to increase the number of student leaders to a minimum of 100 Buddy Ambassadors / Buddy Directors (double from last year!) and 1000 student leaders without intelllectual or developmental disabilities to attend the conference.

These funds will provide assistance to those who need financial help to cover transportation costs to get to Leadership Conference and increase support for the BUILD program.

Vote once a day, EVERYDAY throughout the month of March so that we win! Remember to avoid voting for another project in the $250,000 category as this will hurt our chances. Use your remaining votes in the other categories ($50,000, $25,000 and $5,000) for projects you want to see win.

Please invite your friends, family, and Best Buddies supporters to vote as well. Consider adding the project link on your facebook page and encourage people to vote! The project that gets the most votes will receive the grant; it’s as simple as that! So register once and vote daily. The student leaders in your state with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities that need financial assistance to attend Leadership Conference will be able to receive it through this award!

Thank you for voting!

This sounds like a project that we can all get behind and it is easy to throw our support behind Best Buddies.  Please vote once every day through March 31st for Best Buddies at:

Vote For Best Buddies

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 college, high school and middle school campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. They have accredited international programs on six continents with additional country programs under active development.

Best Buddies has six formal programs – Best Buddies Citizens, Colleges, e-Buddies, High Schools, Jobs and Middle Schools. They expect to positively impact more than 400,000 individuals this year. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute services to the community that equate to more than $70 million USD.

For more information on Best Buddies, visit  Best Buddies