On Thursday, July 19th (yesterday), E News! posted a picture of Clay Aiken eating french fries with Jessica Simpson.  I recognized the picture immediately.  It was from the annual World Children’s Day at McDonald’s fundraiser held November 20, 2003.

There was a large roster of world-renowned entertainers and dignitaries that supported the event. Some of the guests included Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake, Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Simpson and American Idol finalist, Clay Aiken.  Clay worked the counter at a McDonalds in the Los Angeles area.

It was exciting to find out that World Children’s Day at McDonalds raised over 15 million dollars.

On November 22, 2004, Clay became a Ronald McDonald House Charities Ambassador.  Clay and McDonalds seemed to work well together and Clay was back for the 2004 World Children’s Day.  In 2004, 32,000 McDonald’s restaurants, in more than 121 countries, were involved in the fundraiser.

On November 9, 2004, the month-long program to build awareness for the fundraiser was kicked off at a McDonald’s restaurant in Los Angeles. To launch the activities, Clay Aiken joined Alejandro Fernandez, Hilary and Haylie Duff, Venus and Serena Williams, Carl Lewis and Randy Jackson as they created and donated autographed handprints.

There was no entertainment at the restaurant that day so Clay did not sing. Since Clay was an ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities, he was the featured speaker at the event.

All the cement handprints were auctioned on eBay. Clay’s cast sold for over $15,000. Another item donated by Clay, an autographed apron from the same event, went for $5,100 in the eBay auction.

It is always amazing to see how much money Clay Aiken is able to raise for so many good causes. He is a compassionate man who is articulate and handsome. Seems like this is the recipe for a great spokesperson representing any good cause.

A fan was able to video Clay’s moving speech at the event in Los Angeles. It is always interesting to hear Clay speak.

Do you remember this event?

Thank you to E News! for running a picture of Clay today…

It is always fun to look back at all the things that Clay has supported!