Thursday, August 6, 2009

Clay Aiken Announces National Inclusion Project

Clay Aiken has announced the new name for the foundation he co-founded with Diane Bubel (photo from the National Inclusion Project website).

In an open letter from both Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel they state in part:

"The Bubel/Aiken Foundation grew out of the relationship between the two of us and Diane’s son, Mike, a 13 year old with autism. The bond between us grew strong as we shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society. We had both witnessed children with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities opened to typical children. We met while Clay was pursuing a degree in special education at UNC-Charlotte. As part of that pursuit, Clay completed an independent study project where he created a foundation that focused on providing the support system for recreational and educational programs around the country to open doors to children with disabilities that had thus far remained closed. We realized that an organized effort could encourage and facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. This shared goal grew into reality on July 28, 2003 when we officially announced the creation of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation."
Per National Inclusion Project's site, in six years, the Foundation has worked with hundreds of programs, trained numerous staff members and leaders, and provided inclusive opportunities for over 20,000 children. For more information, please visit:

National Inclusion Project and The Clay Aiken News Network

also, check out
gerra730
Popcycleman
All that is Clay Aiken

Carolina On My Mind
MJsbigidolblog
Chexxxy's Pearls
Shy Eyewitness


16 comments:

musicfan said...

This is an exciting day for Clay and for his fans. I could not be any prouder!!

Thank yo for the information.

deyabird said...

I like the new name. Great day for NIP. Here's to many, many more years of doing the great work that they do.

CLM said...

Thanks for the blog Sue. I love the new name and website. Congrats Clay Aiken for all the good you do.

fgs said...

Happy to see the new name announced finally! The name is more explanatory of the foundation's goals than the old name was. It should be good.

jbc4clay said...

Very exciting and I love the name!

PaulaBear said...

Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel have made an incredible difference in the lives of children with the creation of this foundation. I hope it will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.

Anonymous said...

What an exciting day, the new website looks wonderful!! Congratulations to Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel!

Ashes said...

Clay Aiken's new web page for the National Inclusion Project is excellent.

Thanks for the picture from the site!

ImGranny said...

Thanks for this blog about the name change of the BAF to National Inclusion Project.

I've briefly visited the site but will go back later to explore.

Everyone associated with this foundation should be commended. They have done wonderful things in such a short time.

I'm proud to be a fan of Clay Aiken.

claysweetea said...

What a great new website for the National Inclusion Project and a perfect new name. Im so proud of Clay and what he has accomplished through this organization dedicated to the inclusion of all children.

clayam said...

Wonderful picture of Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel, and congrats to both for this great organization.

Dianne Barbee said...

SueReu,

What a great day for the National Inclusion Project, Clay Aiken, and Diane Bubel!

Thnx for your kind remarks in the Carolina blog. Have an awesome weekend!

Caro

copingincalifornia said...

What an amazing man. Clay Aiken must be amazed at how far his foundation has come.

anaturegirl said...

It is hard to believe that 6 years have past since the inception of BAF. So much good work has been done through the foundation and now with the new name....National Inclusion Project...the work will continue.

Beanblossom said...

This is an exciting time for Clay Aiken - his first baby - his charity, has a new name - and his 2nd baby, his son, is turning 1 year old.

PaulaBear said...

Clay Aiken has more to celebrate today with the 1st Birthday of his beautiful son! What a wonderful week for the family and the foundation!!