It has been exactly 13 weeks since Clay Aiken finished his concert in San Francisco and walked off the stage.  For Clay, it is a time to rejuvenate his body and mind, plan his next project and most importantly, enjoy being a daddy.

For fans, it seems like a long time and each person fills the space in different ways.

For me, I have had fun trying to update all the pictures, videos, articles, and blogs that have been living “somewhere” on my computer.  While doing this, I have found some wonderful things that I have forgotten about.  So…I am sharing one of those things with you today.

In June of 2004, Clay Aiken appeared at America’s Promise to Youth Gala.  Held in the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington D.C. this star-studded event was the first Gala for the organization.

The Gala honored six members of Congress for their commitment to youth.  The honorees were Senators Edward Kennedy, Ted Stevens and Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Representatives Deborah Pryce, Harold Ford, Jr. and Tom Osborne.

A young person selected to represent his or her home state or district introduced each Congressional honoree and Clay.  These seven young people, two of whom have developmental disabilities, were chosen for their exemplary service to their communities as well as their outstanding character

As part of a new partnership with America’s Promise , The Bubel/Aiken Foundation provided each youth presenter with a $1,500 scholarship.

The emcee of the program was country star, Naomi Judd.  The entertainment was presented by The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Chorus and Clay Aiken. Clay performed Measure of A Man and sang Bridge Over Troubled Water with the young chorus.

Fortunately, I have many pictures of the event.  The following are a few of the pictures from the prestigious event.