NOTE: American Idol Worship would like to apologize for its previous remarks about Clay Aiken that some fans have taken exception to. While it was never our intent to disparage Clay, we realize that our attempt at humor was in poor taste and we would like to formally apologize to both the singer and his legions of fans.
It has been suggested by one fan that we highlight Clay's charitable work, and it is our pleasure to give the 27-year-old his due.
Apart from his music career, Clay has dedicated himself to education and children's causes across the world. Few people can match his amazing record of giving and we feel all American Idol fans should be made aware of it, as he is helping make the world a better place.
His interest in autism issues led him, along with Diane Bubel (whose son Michael is autistic, and was tutored by Aiken), to found the Bubel/Aiken Foundation (BAF), which supports the integration of disabled children into the life environment of their non-disabled peers. The BAF, which was given a $500,000 grant from the U.S. government, runs summer camps which reflect this mission, and also presents awards to volunteer efforts of children with physical and mental disabilities.
Aiken has often donated his time and voice to benefit events and concerts, including the 2004 Rosalynn Carter Benefit, the America's Promise Benefit, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and the "Arthur Celebrity Audiobook (Stories for Heroes Series)," which benefits the BAF and other charities.
Clay was a proud spokesman of the 2004 Toys for Tots drive, and remains an ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). In addition, Aiken donated his clothes from his American Idol performance on March 11, 2003 to the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.
In 2004, he was appointed UNICEF National Ambassador by the U.S., with a mission to help ensure that children everywhere are afforded a primary education. Through his work with UNICEF, Aiken participated in the NBC4 telethon, which raised over $10 million, and recorded public service announcements in support of South Asian tsunami relief.
In March 2005, UNICEF sent Aiken to tsunami-stricken Banda Aceh area to raise awareness for the need to restore education quickly to the children who survived this disaster, in order to provide stability in a time of great loss. In April 2005, on behalf of UNICEF, he appeared before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs of the Committee on Appropriations.
In May 2005, UNICEF sent Aiken on another mission, to northern Uganda, to witness the plight of children called "night commuters," who flee the villages each night to sleep in streets and shelters in hopes of avoiding being kidnapped by the Lord's Resistance Army [LRA]. Aiken was the 2005 spokesperson for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF drive.
Aiken continues to devote his time and energy to some of the world's most important causes and we at American Idol Worship would like to commend him for his efforts.
You da man, Clay.
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104 Comments
July 25th, 2006 10:58 AM
Thank you for showcasing Clay Aiken's charitable endeavors as they are numerous and varied. He is truly more than just an incredible singing voice and entertainer-he is also a tremendous and giving human being who just wants to make a difference in the world.
July 25th, 2006 11:58 AM
Thank You for showing the "other side" of Clay that his fans find just as extraordinary as his unlimited, amazing talent!
July 25th, 2006 12:00 PM
I wasn't aware Clay had been involved in so much. Thanks for the info.
July 25th, 2006 12:04 PM
Thanks for a good look at Clay's charitable works. He has frequently reminded his fans to "use your voice" and he follows his own advice! I'm looking forward to hearing his voice on his new CD out this fall.
July 25th, 2006 1:26 PM
What a man and what a role model he is. Thanks for sharing some of the things that Clay has been involved with. Nice to hear that he is out "making a difference".
July 25th, 2006 1:45 PM
Wow, I am stunned! You at AI Worship, are a class act for your statement and this story. I am impressed! The write up brought me to tears! Thank you so much!
July 25th, 2006 1:52 PM
Thank you for apologizing!!
July 25th, 2006 2:41 PM
It is nice to see something/someone hat is associated with American Idol to give good reviews to Clay Aiken’s work not only in his own foundation but with other groups as well. American Idol (as a group) has snubbed Clay when they could have pointed out what this talented man has been giving back. This can only enhance American Idol's reputation as it continues forward. That Clay chose to distance himself from AI can only be described self defense. That this site apologized shows that perhaps there is some class still somewhere in the American Idol machine.
July 25th, 2006 3:10 PM
Thanks so much for letting more people know about this truly outstanding human being. His fans have known all along what it is about him we love. It's not only the incredible voice and charisma, but the love he shows to those less fortunate. Thank you again.
July 25th, 2006 3:17 PM
Clay seems to be an easy target, but it's a cheap shot. He stands tall in the face of it all. He truly is a man. A man of conviction that our world can be a better place for all children and all people. Thank you for recognizing this fact and helping to spread the word.