Saturday October 18, 2008 was a day for celebrating accomplishments of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation and its volunteers.  The new Raleigh Marriott City Center provided the perfect backdrop for reflecting on the past five years and for looking forward to a successful future.

 Diane Bubel, Rich Donovan, Betsy & Dan Habib, Randy Martinez, and Clay Aiken at the 2008 Champions of Change Gala

The morning began with a round table discussion meeting of approximately 75 volunteers and lead by TBAF Executive Director Jerry Aiken and TBAF Director of Services Aron Hall.  An overview of the Foundation’s work was given and volunteers were encouraged to share ideas on fundraising and raising awareness for inclusion of children with special needs.  Throughout the event small groups had brainstorming sessions and then shared what they discussed with the larger group.  This was not only a good learning tool, but provided the opportunity to build relationships with other volunteers and to get new ideas. Many commented on the message weaved throughout the meeting – an appreciation for the volunteers and the contribution they make to the Foundation.  Both Aron and Jerry made a point of expressing appreciation for the impact the volunteers have made on the success of the Foundation.  For more information about the round table, please email Aron at aronhall@bubelaiken.org.

After the round table discussion, the Foundation hosted a special screening of “Including Samuel.” The documentary, created by 2008 Champion of Change honoree Dan Habib, displays not only Dan and his wife Betsy McNamara’s sons but also several young people with varying disabilities, and how important inclusion is to all of them.  The film is inspiring, warm, funny and informative.  Following the video there was a Q&A session with Dan and Betsy.  Those in attendance left with a renewed passion for the possibilities of inclusion.

The wonderful morning events were followed by The Champions of Change Gala that evening.  The elegant evening of celebration began with a VIP reception and picture opportunity with the TBAF co-founders Diane Bubel and Clay Aiken.  The halls were lined with a wide variety of silent auction items that appealed to any desire.  After the reception, all guests were welcomed into the candlelight dining room and watched a short video that included pictures from this year’s Let’s ALL Play programs as well as appreciative comments from parents and counselors whose children participated.  Lynda Loveland, WRAL-TV news anchor and the Gala’s emcee gave the program introduction of “welcome” and Diane reminded everyone that not all children are given the same opportunities to play because of the difficulties accommodating their special needs.  She said that she hoped that one day we will not need to talk so much about promoting inclusion because it will be a common practice.  Clay also spoke and thanked everyone in the room and everyone connected to the room through cell phones for supporting TBAF all of these years.  He said that now that he is a father he has an even greater hope that the world will be a place that accepts and values all children for their unique abilities.

After a wonderful dinner, Clay and Diane, on behalf of the Foundation, honored the 2008 Champions of Change.  The recipients of the Champion of Change awards each represent the work and mission of the Foundation.  Dan Habib and his wife Betsy McNamara were honored for their promotion of inclusion through the documentary “Including Samuel” which was screened earlier in the day.

The second recipient of the Champion of Change award was Rich Donovan who has an impressive history of accomplishments in the business world including working as a VP at Merrill Lynch and Co., and as a person with a disability, he has been a promoter of hiring and giving equal

opportunities to individuals with a disability.  In March 2006, Rich founded Lime Connect, Inc, a non-profit partnership that connects global corporations with an untapped talent source in the disability community.  All evening people were drawn to Rich’s warm personality and when he came to the podium for his speech, he warned Clay that he may have some competition for the ladies in the room.

The third recipient of the Champion of Change award was given to CVS Caremark representative Randy Martinez for their efforts to create greater awareness of the needs of children with disabilities and their  support for programs including their All Kids Can program which is a five-year, $25 million commitment to the value and importance of inclusion.   The CVS Caremark All Kids Can program will be focused around three key areas of support – Learn, Play, and Succeed.  Clay encouraged all in attendance to honor CVS’s “responsibility” by shopping at their nationwide branches.

Dr. Priscilla Brame & Clay Aiken draw a winning raffle ticket

The live auction was again mastered by the incomparable team of auctioneer Joe Veasey and Clay who moved from his role as inclusion activist to another successful turn as a “used clothes salesman.”  The Clay Aiken fans and TBAF donors roared with glee as the pair did all they could to entertain and raise money for children of all abilities. Clay donned several clothing items like his Jukebox Tour leather jacket which was auctioned off for $55,000.   He also squeezed into a shirt he wore five years ago on an episode of American Idol.  Not only did he put the shirt on, but he also reprised the song he sang on that episode to the winner.

The evening of joy, appreciation and enthusiasm for the future of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation was topped off with Clay Aiken’s traditional thank you of an exclusive performance with the accompaniment of Ben Cohn, Wes Hutchinson, and Rich Mercurio.  The song selections included pieces from his newest release On My Way Here.  The beautiful evening was then wrapped up as Clay sang a heart-felt rendition of “Right Here Waiting” and then signed “Thank You” as he left the stage.

 Clay Aiken performs at the 2008 Champions of Change Gala

The audience members showed their appreciation for the gift of music, and many left the event with refreshed energy to promote inclusion for children of ALL abilities.

Special thanks to all who attended, donated, and worked to make the 2008 Champions of Change Gala a huge success.  The Foundation is excited to announce a total of over $500,000 raised in order to support inclusive programs nationwide!