Clay Aiken Opens His Heart To The World

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is charities-Banner.jpg

Today, CANN is publishing an Encore Article. This article was written before Clay Aiken officially entered the field of politics.

We have picked up lots of new readers in the years that have reached out to learn more about Clay.  I think it is important that they get to know some things about Clay that don’t get a lot of publicity, but say so much about who he is as a man!

For those of you who have read this, the information is good to review.  Clay Aiken is an

Today, I hope you will make sure that this article shows up on twitter and perhaps you can also leave a comment.

People need to know this Clay Aiken!

~~~~~

I feel that speaking for others is the best way to use my voice.

The rest of it, all the pop-star stuff,

is ultimately a platform for giving back.

~ Clay Aiken ~

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is clay-aiken-chaka-khan-duet-in-th-1.jpg

For almost 20 years, Clay Aiken has been a busy entertainer. His life has been filled with singing, recording, touring, acting, and includes 2 runs as one of the stars of Monty Python’s Spamalot. His busy life would be enough for most people, but Clay also chose to quietly immerse himself in helping others and speaking out about what he felt was important.

If you are a fan of Clay Aiken, you probably know that he co-founded The National Inclusion Project in 2003. The organization has grown and is now one of the top organizations that serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them.

And, many people know that Clay became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF with a focus on education, in November, 2004.

But, there is so much more to Clay’s charity work. In fact, there is so much more than I can report about in one day. The following are only highlights of some of the things that Clay has participated with during the years.

Did you know that:

  • Clay became a Ronald McDonald House Charities Ambassador on November 22, 2004
  • In November, 2010, Clay joined supporters of GLSEN (The Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network) in Washington to speak in support of two bills that were coming before the government: The Safe Schools Improvement Act and The Student Non-Discrimination Act.
  • While starring in Spamalot, Clay worked hard to raise money for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids. Clay lent his support by offering items to the on-line auction. For two years, his items topped the bids for BC/EFA. The two Sir Robin bears broke records for the highest amount of money earned.
  • Clay made a “doodle” and a mask that were auctioned off to worthy charities.
  • Clay mentored one of the groups of kids involved with Rosie O’ Donnells Broadway Kids’ Showcase on April 27, 2009.
  • On January 10, 2004, Clay performed at the halftime of a men’s basketball game at UNCC. That same evening, he donated $20,000 to the universities capital campaign.
  • Clay was a guest speaker at the “2010 Human Rights Campaign Carolinas Gala” held in Raleigh on February 27, 2010.
  • In 2004, Clay appeared with other celebrities as part of the McDonald’s World Children’s Day event. The event raised money for the Ronald McDonald house and other children’s charities. He put his handprints in cement and raised more money than all the rest of the items combined.
  • Clay performed at a benefit for the Autism Society of Delaware and the Bubel Aiken Foundation on June 5, 2004.
  • Clay met with children at P.S. 76 in Harlem, New York in 2003. He read to a class of second-graders as part of Wachovia Corporation’s Reading First program.
  • If you look at this list, you will see that I have not mentioned, Clothes Off Your Back, The David Foster Foundation, The True Colors Fund, The Rosalynn Carter Institute, The American Australian Association, Disney Hand, Forces of Nature Aid Foundation, MDA, National Center for Learning Disabilities….and MANY MORE!!

    **********

    I feel bad for only mentioning The National Inclusion Project and UNICEF. These are so important to Clay, but I thought today, we would look at the bigger picture. I will report on Clay’s involvement with these 2 charities on another day.

    Clay opens his heart to the world. How easy it is to support this young man!

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 070400_Afghanistan-14-captioned.jpg
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 030902-MDA-09-1.jpg
    MDA – Jerry Lewis
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 048.jpg
    A Special Dance!
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mcdonalds106_11-20-03.jpg
    Ronald McDonald House Charities

    Every celebrity should hope to be a role model to kids, to teenagers, to young adults.

    I talk about the causes that are important to me now, things that matter to me, and I’m in a position to help.

    ~ Clay Aiken ~

     ~~~~~

    Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.

    4 thoughts on “Clay Aiken Opens His Heart To The World

    1. These are all of the reasons that make us say “we came for the voice but stayed for the man”. He has accomplished so much for so many! We are so blessed to have gotten to know who he really is. Looking forward to reading whatever you write in the coming days about Mr. Clay Aiken. Thank you!

    2. Thank you for all the pictures and the blog. This is only a small part of who Clay Aiken as a person and a man . I have been donated to NIP from 2003 to today 2023. If everyone knew who Clay Aiken as a person, the world would be in a better place. Thank you for todays blog. Thank you CANN. Have a great weekend.

    3. Thanks for reminding us that Clay is not just a singer from a popular TV show, but a man who believes in helping others by raising awareness of things we can also do to make life better for those in need.

    Leave a Reply to Phyllis Solotoff Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.