National Inclusion Project Press Releases

[Moonshot]

This thread will be updated with press releases made by the National Inclusion Project.

[Moonshot]

3/02/2009
Bubel/Aiken Foundation Awards Grants Over $500,000 to Programs Nationwide

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, co-founded by entertainer Clay Aiken, announced over $500,000 in grants to support programs nationwide as part of the Foundation’s Let’s ALL Play initiative.
In just two years the Foundation has invested over one million dollars to expand Let’s ALL Play across the country. The goal of Let’s ALL Play is to assist child and youth organizations in moving toward full inclusion. In 2004, the inclusive recreational experience for children with and without disabilities was instituted by the Foundation.

The Foundation will support over 30 recreational programs in 2009. Programs receive a program model and Foundation training in addition to grant funding.  Because of the Foundation’s support, children across the country will participate in inclusive programs for the first time.

Let's ALL Play brings an Inclusive recreational experience to children with disabilities by giving them the same experience as children without. Children with disabilities and their peers who are typically developing come together to participate in recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, community service, physical fitness and more.

In 2008, The Foundation enlisted the services of The Center for Social Development and Education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston to assess the implementation of Let’s ALL Play.  Overwhelming evidence showed that campers with disabilities improved self-esteem, social skills, social relationships with campers without disabilities, general engagement in camp activities, and sport/motor skills.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation looks to create communities where ALL children can learn, live, and play together. Because of the continued support of dedicated volunteers and the assistance of new supporters, the Foundation will give over 5,000 children an inclusive experience this summer.
“The Bubel/Aiken Foundation’s investment in creating inclusive opportunities for children will impact our country for generations to come,” said Clay Aiken.

About The Bubel/Aiken Foundation: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation provides services and financial assistance to promote the full integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The Foundation strives to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that inclusion can bring. To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or ways to get involved visit their Web site at www.bubelaiken.org.

www.inclusionproject.org

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3/13/2009
MEAF Awards $40,000 Grant to Support Partnership with the National Inclusion Project and Johns Hopkins University's National Center for Summer Learning

RALEIGH, NC – The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) has announced $360,000 in new and continuing grants, raising the total investment in the Foundation’s five-year Inclusion Initiative to $3.2 million. The newest inclusion project is a joint venture between the National Inclusion Project and the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University.

Building on a three-year partnership, the National Inclusion Project and the National Center for Summer Learning will create a distinct and powerful new force for change in the field of summer learning for all children, especially those with disabilities. The partners will expand access to high-quality, inclusive summer learning opportunities for young people by developing a summer learning curriculum to help summer camps fully include youth with disabilities.

Research suggests that inclusive summer learning programs can prevent summer learning loss and promote academic achievement for all children and youth, foster positive relationships between children with and without disabilities and adults, and promote improved peer relationships and acceptance of diversity.

“We are very pleased to incorporate this project into our Inclusion Initiative, expanding inclusion outreach to the critical area of summer learning,” said Rayna Aylward, MEAF’s executive director. “The National Inclusion Project and the National Center for Summer Learning add valuable experience and focus to the inclusion mix, and their collaboration will enrich the lives of many thousands of youth with and without disabilities.”

About MEAF: Established in 1991, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation is the corporate foundation of the Mitsubishi Electric companies in the US, which makes grants to support national nonprofit organizations and works to engage company employees in philanthropy and volunteerism in Mitsubishi Electric communities through its matching grants program. The Foundation’s mission is to help young people with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society. For more information about the foundation visit www.meaf.org.

About the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University: The vision of the National Center for Summer Learning is for every young person to experience enriching, memorable summers. Based at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, the Center engages in research, develops policy, and delivers professional development to improve program quality, increase funding for programs for young people living in poverty, and make summer learning a public policy priority. The Center focuses national attention on how high-quality summer learning programs help close the achievement gap, lead to higher graduation rates, and promote healthy development. For more information, visit www.summerlearning.org.

inclusionproject.org

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7/01/2009
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Awards Grant to FPG Child Development Institute

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation has awarded the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill a $10,000 grant for their 2009 Inclusion Institute. The Inclusion Institute is the premier educational opportunity for anyone involved in the care and education of children birth through age five with special needs in inclusive settings and will be held July 14 through July 16, 2009, in Chapel Hill, NC.  “By partnering with the FPG Child Development Institute we are reaching professionals and volunteers across the country who are serving children in an inclusive environment.  These individuals make a direct impact on our youth and help to further spread the message of inclusion,” says Jerry Aiken, Executive Director.

Yes We Can: New Opportunities for Children with Disabilities and their Families, the theme for the Institute, reflects the emphasis on strategies for using the early childhood funds available through the administration’s stimulus package (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) to promote inclusive opportunities for children birth-five and their families. Attendees will also learn about the latest research findings and resources to guide inclusive policy, professional development and practice; develop collaborative relationships and cross-agency systems to support early childhood inclusion; gain awareness of strategies and models to support inclusive services; and have the opportunity to meet, learn from and problem solve with peers.

For more information, visit www.nectac.org/~meetings/InclusionMtg2009/splash.html

About The Bubel/Aiken Foundation: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation provides services and financial assistance to promote the full integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The Foundation strives to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that inclusion can bring. To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or ways to get involved visit their Web site at www.bubelaiken.org.

www.inclusionproject.org

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8/04/2009
The National Inclusion Project Announces Champions Gala Honorees

The National Inclusion Project is pleased to announce its 2009 Champions honorees, with awards to be presented at its annual Champions Gala Benefit Celebration.  The benefit and awards dinner will be held at 5 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at the Marriott City Center Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Champions are selected by the National Inclusion Project for their substantive efforts to give children with disabilities the opportunity to experience life alongside their peers, in keeping with the Project’s mission of supporting communities with inclusive programs and creating awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.

This year’s honorees are:

Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., Corporate Champion
Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. continually demonstrates its outstanding commitment to help young people with disabilities to maximize their potential and participation in society. The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation has had a sizeable impact since it was established in 1991: more than $9 million invested, affecting the lives of many thousands of young people with disabilities, their families, friends and communities. Added to that total are thousands of employee volunteer hours and the transformation of individuals, one life at a time.

Dr. Gregory P. Byrne, Patrick Henry Hughes, and Patrick John Hughes
When Patrick Henry Hughes was born in 1988, medical staff noticed physical anomalies which were diagnosed as bilateral anophthalmia with ptergyium syndrome and congenital bilateral hip dysplasia. His father, Patrick John Hughes, introduced him to the piano at the age of nine months. Patrick has studied piano in the years since and later began the study of trumpet. At the suggestion of Louisville's marching band director, Dr. Greg Byrne, Patrick Henry joined the marching band, playing trumpet while his father pushed him in his wheelchair through the marching routines. This visible commitment attracted increasing crowd and media attention throughout the fall football season, and the father/son pair were featured in a variety of television and newspaper coverage. The Hughes family has used this platform to speak on the importance of recognizing the abilities of ALL and the importance of inclusion for a person’s social, mental and physical well-being.

The Sparkle Effect
Sarah Cronk and Sarah Herr, two varsity cheerleaders from Pleasant Valley High School are being honored as Champions for founding The Sparkle Effect - a nonprofit organization that encourages high school students across the United States to include children with special needs on cheerleading squads.  By providing guidance, peer mentoring, and online tools to enable high school students to fully integrate cheerleading squads, they have changed life experiences for teenagers across the country and the awareness they have created will continue to impact generations to come.

The Champions Gala will feature a special performance by Clay Aiken, as well as dinner, and silent and live auctions, in support of the National Inclusion Project’s programs providing children with disabilities the opportunity to play, learn and grow side-by-side with their typical peers.

As a result of inclusion just this summer, a 9 year-old child said this was the first time he did not feel like an “alien,” for the first time a mom saw her child included, and a father cried when he learned his 5-year old child had spoken his first word. We invite you to join us in honoring our outstanding Champions, and in celebrating the National Inclusion Project’s impact on improving lives across the country. Individual tickets go on sale August 11 from the Champions Gala page.  The deadline to purchase Platinum, Gold, and Silver VIP Tickets is August 10!

About National Inclusion Project: The National Inclusion Project, formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. By providing services and financial assistance, the Project supports communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open. It is their goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced. To learn more about National Inclusion Project or ways to get involved visit their website at www.inclusionproject.org.

About Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation: Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) was established in 1991 by the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and its US subsidiaries, with the mission of helping young people with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society.  Based in the Washington DC area, MEAF has invested more than $3.2 million since 2003 in its Inclusion Initiative to help organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, and the YMCAs serve more youth with disabilities.  www.meaf.org

www.inclusionproject.org

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9/02/2009
National Inclusion Project supports the PBS Release of Including Samuel

We are proud to partner with the creators of Including Samuel, a nationally acclaimed documentary by photojournalist Dan Habib, 2008 Champions Gala Honoree.

The film comes to public television in September and October (Disability Awareness Month) with support from the National Inclusion Project and CVS Caremark All Kids Can.

Broadcasts are currently scheduled for the following states:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia,  Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin...and the list grows every week!

Go to www.includingsamuel.com for a regularly updated list of broadcasts and public screenings.

FILM SYNOPSIS:
Before his son Samuel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Including Samuel chronicles the Habib family's efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. The film honestly portrays his family's hopes and struggles as well as the experiences of four other individuals with disabilities and their families. Including Samuel is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion.

HOST A FILM SCREENING PARTY!
The PBS Release of Including Samuel is a hallmark event for our mission of inclusion.  Consider hosting a party for your friends and neighbors at your house or a larger venue that you have access to.  This is a great opportunity to invite people who may not have a connection to inclusion in order to introduce them to the concept and benefits.

Go to www.includingsamuel.com to:

• Watch the film trailer.
• Download the “Screening & Outreach Kit” with discussion questions, photos, templates for posters and invitations, and more.
• Download free material from the ‘Resources’ section which features published research, curriculum and articles on inclusion, plus links to dozens of organizations.
• Purchase the DVD. National Inclusion Project supporters and volunteers can receive a 10% discount off the individual DVD, and 20% off purchases of 6 DVDs or more, by using the coupon code IS10IP.

If you choose to host a party, please let us know so that we can send you information that you can hand out about the National Inclusion Project.  If you organize a larger party as a community gathering, we will be happy to promote it by including it on our event calendar.

www.inclusionproject.org

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9/23/2009
Deck the Halls for Inclusion

National Inclusion Project, in partnership with Rockdale Wreaths, is pleased to announce “Deck the Halls for Inclusion,” a national holiday fundraiser which will run from October 16-November 16, 2009. During this one month period, all wreaths and other select items purchased through “Deck the Halls for Inclusion” will benefit the National Inclusion Project exclusively.  National Inclusion Project will receive $9 for each wreath ordered; bulk orders, 8 or more wreaths shipped to one address, benefit the Project by $13 per wreath. Please note: prices are all-inclusive, shipping and handling are already included in the purchase price.

Beginning Friday, October 16, 2009 orders may be placed online at the National Inclusion Project’s  Rockdale store (link to be provided prior to opening date), or purchased directly from participating Beta Alphas. The deadline for orders is Monday, November 16, 2009. Rockdale Wreaths creates beautiful, high quality, handmade wreaths and other natural items to decorate homes and businesses. The wreaths also make wonderful gifts for family and friends.

“Deck the Halls for Inclusion” is open to all Beta Alphas and other interested individuals, and everyone is encouraged to participate. Each Beta Alpha will receive credit for all online sales generated by their respective group, as well as credit for all direct, or local, sales. A complete fundraising packet containing all necessary materials will be provided to organizers and team leaders in advance. For more information, or to sign up, please contact:

Pam Gaither, pam@triadvoices.org, or Aron Hall, aronhall@inclusionproject.org.

Let’s ALL deck the halls for inclusion!  Help support the National Inclusion Project’s mission to create communities where children of all abilities can learn, live and play.  Purchase a wreath-or two-or even ten, this holiday season.  Share the gift of inclusion with thousands of children nationwide. Inclusion works, and it is a gift worth giving.

www.inclusionproject.org

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10/04/2009
Charity Navigator gives National Inclusion Project Four Stars!

On behalf of Charity Navigator, I wish to congratulate National Inclusion Project on achieving our coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management.

As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned dollars. In this competitive philanthropic marketplace, Charity Navigator, America's premier charity evaluator, highlights the fine work of efficient charities such as your own, and provides donors with essential information needed to give them greater confidence in the charitable choices they make.

Based on the most recent financial information available, we have calculated a new rating for your organization. We are proud to announce National Inclusion Project has earned our 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Approximately a quarter of the charities we evaluate have received our highest rating, indicating that National Inclusion Project executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates National Inclusion Project from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.

Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger's Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled and celebrated our unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. We evaluate ten times more charities than our nearest competitor and currently attract more visitors to our website than all other charity rating groups combined, thus making us the leading charity evaluator in America. Our irrefutable data shows that users of our site gave more than they planned to before viewing our findings, and in fact, it is estimated that last year Charity Navigator influenced over $10 billion in charitable gifts.

We believe our service will enhance your organization's fundraising and public relations efforts. Our favorable review of National Inclusion Project's fiscal health will be visible on our website as of October 1st.

We wish you the best in all of your charitable endeavors.

Sincerely,

Ken Berger
President & Chief Executive Officer

www.charitynavigator.org

www.inclusionproject.org

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10/05/2009
Volunteers Wrap to Benefit Wrapping for Inclusion

The National Inclusion Project co-founded by Clay Aiken recently announced their 6th annual holiday gift-wrapping awareness campaign and fundraiser, Wrapping for Inclusion. The campaign will take place in shopping malls and stores across the country throughout the 2009 Holiday season. Volunteers will wrap gifts in exchange for donations to the National Inclusion Project.

Individuals of all abilities are encouraged to participate. “We are looking for volunteer wrappers throughout the holiday season to share their voice about the possibilities of inclusion. Schools and youth groups can make this an inclusive community service project by putting together teams of children with and without disabilities,” said Diane Bubel, co-founder of the National Inclusion Project.

Last year over 1,200 volunteers wrapped for inclusion nationwide. Monies raised help fund the National Inclusion Project’s “Let’s ALL Play” inclusive program model that brings inclusion to recreational programs nationwide. In 2009, National Inclusion Project partners impacted over 5000 children with inclusive opportunities.  Children with and without disabilities participated together in swimming, games, arts and crafts, and team building, but more importantly they developed friendships and experienced benefits that will last a lifetime.

"Wrapping for Inclusion gives volunteers across the country the opportunity to share the vision of the National Inclusion Project. By working together, we are creating a world that celebrates children for their abilities", said Bubel. "We appreciate the time and dedication of all our Wrapping for Inclusion volunteers as well as all those holiday shoppers who will donate to the National Inclusion Project.” For information on how to volunteer email Aron Hall at aronhall@inclusionproject.org or download the Wrapping For Inclusion manual here.

www.inclusionproject.org

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10/13/2009
National Inclusion Project enters America's Giving Challenge - Top Prize $50,000

The National Inclusion Project has entered America's Giving Challenge, which gives a top prize of $50,000! To win, between now and November 7th, the Project has to get the most donations to our cause (every person can donate once per day between 3pm and 2:59pm the next day and have it count as a unique donation). There are also daily awards of $1,000 and $500 for the most people to donate in any 24-hour period. The great thing about this Challenge is that it doesn't matter how much you give, but instead how much you do to encourage friends and family to get involved in our cause. We all need to come together and start promoting the cause if we want to win.

Everyone has tons of friends on Facebook, message boards, and email lists who you can ask to donate to the cause. But think big, too—can you put our cause in your email signature, can you throw a party and get people to donate through the cause when they enter, can you organize other people to go out and fundraise from all of their friends? As you reach out to your friends be sure to tell them why this cause matters to you. The possibilities are endless so let's talk about what we can do to win on the Wall of the cause or by emailing the Project your idea (contactus@inclusionproject.org).

It's going to take all of us to do it! Check out the Giving Challenge (www.causes.com), then visit the cause to see how we're doing so far and get involved.

Let's win $50,00 for our cause!

inclusionproject.org

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10/21/2009
3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – The National Inclusion Project and Clay Aiken are excited to announce the 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion is returning to The Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on February 1, 2010.

The Event kicks off with Brunch and a Golf Clinic conducted by a PGA professional, followed by a round of golf on Mirasol’s exclusive Sunset course.  The golf tournament will be a scramble format and include contests and prizes including hole-in-one opportunities.  Immediately after golf, an Awards Reception will be held to recognize the winners of golf competitions and team placement.  The Event concludes with dinner including a live and silent auction and entertainment with a performance by Clay Aiken.

The National Inclusion Project, formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them.  By providing curriculum, training and financial assistance, the Project supports communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open.  It is their goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced.

The National Inclusion Project was created in 2003 and grew from the relationship between entertainer Clay Aiken, Diane Bubel and Diane’s, then 13-year-old son, Mike who had been diagnosed with autism.  Clay met the Bubel family while pursuing a career in special education.  The bond between Clay and the Bubel family grew strong as they shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society.  Both Clay and Diane had witnessed children with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities opened to other children.  They knew with the right support system, doors could be opened to these individuals that had thus far remained closed.  An organized effort could encourage and facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

The Project has programs in more than 38 states making a difference in the lives of children of all abilities.  During the past two years, the National Inclusion Project has donated $30,000 to the Peter Blum Family YMCA in Boca Raton, Florida to implement the Project’s “Let’s ALL Play” curriculum expanding and enhancing their inclusive programs.  The Project has also partnered with Florida Disabled Outdoors Association in Tallahassee.

Several levels of participation in Golfing for Inclusion are available.  A golf foursome is $2,000 and an individual golf spot is $500.  Each golf participant receives brunch, gift bag, photograph with team, golf with prize and award opportunities, and an invitation for you and a guest to the Awards Reception and Dinner and Entertainment with a performance by Event Host Clay Aiken.  Individual Dinner and Entertainment invitations can be purchased for $250.  Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are also available.  To purchase Golf, Dinner and Entertainment invitations and Sponsorships, or for more information phone C & H Events at 561.394.9190 or email info@chevents.com.   Registration may also be completed online at www.inclusionproject.org/golf.

Clay Aiken has released five successful albums and launched eight well-received tours. In October 2003, he launched his first solo album Measure of a Man.  The record sold 3 million copies and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.  With 613,000 copies sold in the first week, it was the highest selling first album for a solo artist in ten years, going double-platinum and netting Aiken an American Music Award.

In 2004, Aiken released Merry Christmas with Love (2004), the fastest selling Christmas album in Nielsen Soundscan history.  He followed that success with A Thousand Different Ways (2006), All is Well (2006), and On My Way Here (2008).  Notably, Aiken earned the distinction of being only the eighth artist to ever have his first four albums debut in the Billboard Top 5.  In 2004, Aiken wrote a best-selling memoir.  Readers and critics embraced his style and his message in Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, making the book an instant New York Times best seller.  Most recently Aiken has signed with Universal Decca records and is planning on the release of his sixth album in early 2010.

While all of these successes matter to him, what gives Aiken the most joy is his activism on behalf of children.  As he has often explained, “My music career has allowed me to do the same thing I was doing before – work with kids.  It has just given me a bigger stage, so I can enact change on a grander scale.”  Clay has been an ambassador for UNICEF since 2004 in addition to co-founding the National Inclusion Project, which supports the integration of children with disabilities into the same environment as their non-disabled peers.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) has become the Title Sponsor of the 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion.  Allianz Life, founded in 1896, provides an array of annuities as well as long term care and life insurance products in the U.S. through a nationwide network of independent distribution.  The company is part of Allianz SE, a global financial services group that is the 20th largest company in the world based on revenues (Fortune Global 500, August 2009), employing nearly 155,000 people worldwide.

American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. continues their support of Golfing for Inclusion by becoming a Platinum Sponsor.  Headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y., American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) is a full-service independent broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC Firm.  Palm Beach Gardens Registered Representatives, Rich Gerepka and Victoria Brialmont, are once again  fully committed to their support of the National Inclusion Project and helping to make Golfing for Inclusion a huge success in 2010.

For further information on and to participate in Golfing for Inclusion phone C & H Events at 561.394.9190 or visit www.chevents.com.  For more information on the National Inclusion Project phone 919.314.5540 or visit www.inclusionproject.org.


inclusionproject.org

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11/10/2009
THE NATIONAL INCLUSION PROJECT GALA HONORING 2009 CHAMPIONS RAISES OVER $465,000 TO BENEFIT THE INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Supporters of The National Inclusion Project helped to raise over $465,000 at its recent gala honoring 2009 Champions.  The inspirational evening was held October 17, 2009 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center in North Carolina.  The funds raised will be used to give children with disabilities the opportunity to experience life along side their typical peers.

The gala benefit celebration featured Champions presentations and addresses by Project co-founders Diane Bubel and Clay Aiken.  Attendees had the opportunity to participate in both a silent and a live auction in support of the Project’s programs.  The Project received funding support from the Million Dollar Round Table and Christies Cookies and the night concluded with a special performance by Clay Aiken.

The National Inclusion Project’s Champions are selected for their substantive efforts to give children with disabilities the opportunity to play, learn and grow side-by-side with their typical peers.

This year’s honorees were:

Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., Corporate Champion: Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. continually demonstrates its outstanding commitment to help young people with disabilities to maximize their potential and participation in society. The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation has had a sizeable impact since it was established in 1991: more than $9 million invested, affecting the lives of many thousands of young people with disabilities, their families, friends and communities. Added to that total are thousands of employee volunteer hours and the transformation of individuals, one life at a time.

Dr. Gregory P. Byrne, Patrick Henry Hughes, and Patrick John Hughes:  Patrick Henry Hughes was born in 1988 with significant disabilities.  His father, Patrick John Hughes, introduced him to the piano at the age of nine months. Patrick has studied piano in the years since and later began the study of trumpet. At the suggestion of Louisville's marching band director, Dr. Greg Byrne, Patrick Henry joined the marching band, playing trumpet while his father pushed him in his wheelchair through the marching routines, which attracted increasing crowd and media attention throughout the fall football season.  The Hughes family has used this platform to speak on the importance of recognizing the abilities of ALL and the importance of inclusion for a person’s social, mental and physical well-being.

The Sparkle Effect: Sarah Cronk and Sarah Herr, two varsity cheerleaders from Pleasant Valley High School are being honored as Champions for founding The Sparkle Effect - a nonprofit organization that encourages high school students across the United States to include children with special needs on cheerleading squads.  By providing guidance, peer mentoring, and online tools to enable high school students to fully integrate cheerleading squads, they have changed life experiences for teenagers across the country and the awareness they have created will continue to impact generations to come.

Diane Bubel and Clay Aiken also awarded the first Bubel Aiken Founder’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to Marti Ford for her efforts to place the National Inclusion Project’s children’s book, Our Friend Mikayla, in hundreds of schools and libraries in the Las Vegas area.  It was through grassroots volunteer efforts that the National Inclusion Project was started and has been able to make huge strides for inclusion nationwide.  Marti Ford is just one example of many working together to continue to fulfill the Project’s mission of supporting communities with inclusive programs and creating awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.

About Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation: Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) was established in 1991 by the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and its US subsidiaries, with the mission of helping young people with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society.  Based in the Washington DC area, MEAF has invested more than $3.2 million since 2003 in its Inclusion Initiative to help organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, and the YMCAs serve more youth with disabilities.  www.meaf.org


inclusionproject.org

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11/17/2009
National Inclusion Project is Goodsearch's Charity of the Day on November 27

The National Inlcusion Project will be featured as the Charity of the Day on GoodSearch.com and GoodShop.com on November 27!!

Did you know you can help us every time you shop online and search the web by adding our new toolbar!  Each time you shop at one of more than 1,300 participating top stores (from Amazon to Zazzle!), we will earn a percentage of the purchase price – at no extra cost to you! (you may even save money as the toolbar also includes coupons and deals!) It also includes a Yahoo powered search box and each time you search the web, about a penny is donated to us!  Add our toolbar here - http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/national-inclusion-project-bubel-aiken-foundation-baf

Or, if you’d rather, you can go directly to GoodSearch.com to do your searches and GoodShop.com to click through to the stores to do your shopping!

You can use GoodSearch and GoodShop every day, but be sure to check us out on their homepage on November 27!

inclusionproject.org

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11/18/2009
Help the National Inclusion Project earn ONE MILLION DOLLARS!

Chase Community Giving is allowing Facebook users to vote for local charities and non-profits, and help direct Chase corporate philanthropy dollars to eligible organizations in the following focus areas: education, healthcare, housing, the environment, combating hunger, arts and culture, human services, and animal welfare. The grassroots campaign aims to inspire a new way of corporate philanthropy.

The eligible charity receiving the most votes will be awarded $1 million, the top five runners-up will receive $100,000 each and the 100 finalists, including the top winners, will be awarded $25,000 each. Additionally, a special Advisory Board led by prominent national philanthropists will allocate $1 million to the nominated charities of its choice.

Chase will use Facebook to allow participants of the Chase Community Giving program to select local causes and organizations in need of support focused on the issues that matter most, enabling those organizations to make further tangible progress toward their missions. Voting for Round 1 ends December 11. Voting for Round 2 ends January 22, 2010 and the top charities will be announced on or around February 1.

inclusionproject.org

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12/04/2009
A Night to Remember - 2009 Champions Gala

Supporters of The National Inclusion Project helped to raise over $465,000 at its recent gala honoring 2009 Champions.  The inspirational evening was held October 17, 2009 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center in North Carolina.

The morning of the 2009 Champions Gala began with the Annual Volunteer Roundtable.  For two hours volunteers from across the country came together with Director of Services Aron Hall and Executive Director Jerry Aiken to share ideas, discuss the successes of the past year and learn what the future holds for the National Inclusion Project.  There were many fresh and interesting comments made about ideas for buying-in, creativity, and effectiveness of ideas and projects which benefit the National Inclusion Project.  Thinking outside of the box was encouraged; nothing was considered too far-reaching.   Hopefully in the years ahead some of the ideas generated from the Roundtable will be used by the Project.

Early afternoon brought pre-registration for all the Gala attendees and an opportunity to not only view the numerous silent auction items on display, but to start the bidding on them as well.

A VIP Reception for Gala Honorees, Guests, and Platinum, Gold and Silver Sponsors kicked off the evening’s events.  The highlight was the presentation of $8,000 from Ken Cassis of MDRT and $10,000 from Sue O'Donnell of the Christie Cookie Company for finishing first in the “$25,000 Charity Giveaway.”

After everyone was seated,  the event emcee Lynda Loveland introduced National Inclusion Project Co-Founder Clay Aiken who welcomed everyone to the evening’s festivities and declared the evening a celebration of inclusion for all children.  Dinner was follow by the evening’s program, which began with an introduction by the National Inclusion Project other Co-Founder, Diane Bubel.

The Project’s Director of Marketing and Operations; Kristy White, introduced the evening’s first Champions Award honoree, The Sparkle Effect.  Sarah Cronk and Sarah Herr, two varsity cheerleaders from Pleasant Valley High School in Iowa founded the Sparkle Effect, a non-profit organization that encourages high school students across the country to include children with special needs on their cheerleading squads.    The two Sarahs accepted the award and were joined on stage by Emily Finn, a cheerleader with Down Syndrome, who participates on the Sparkle squad.

Jerry Aiken presented the second Champions Award to Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA, Inc as this year’s Corporate Champion for their outstanding commitment in helping young people with disabilities to maximize their potential and participation in society.   Sally Wade, Vice President of Human Resources, and Kevin Webb, Director of MEAF, spoke of that commitment and the excitement of partnering with the National Inclusion Project.

Diane Bubel and Clay Aiken returned to the stage to present the newly established Bubel Aiken Founders’ Award honoring outstanding volunteer service.   Nominations had been submitted recognizing individuals, groups or Beta Alpha chapters that had gone above and beyond in the last year.   Five finalists were introduced and then the award was presented to Marti Ford for her work in distributing over 200 copies of the book Our Friend Mikayla to many of the schools in the Las Vegas area and beyond – even as far as Japan.

National Inclusion Project Board Member Dr. Pricilla Brame introduced the final Champions honorees for the evening.   Patrick Henry Hughes was born without eyes and with the inability to straighten his arms and legs making him unable to walk.   His father Patrick John Hughes introduced him to the piano at 9 months of age.   Patrick studied piano in the years that followed and later studied the trumpet.   At the urging of the University of Louisville Marching Band director, Dr Gregory P. Bynes, Patrick joined the marching band, playing the trumpet while his father pushed his wheelchair through the marching routines.  The commitment of this father and son team and their demonstration of the importance that persons of ALL abilities be included along with the support of Louisville’s Dr Bynes made them the final Champions to be recognized for the evening.

All in attendance were in for a special treat as Patrick took to the stage and performed.  By the end of his two song performance the audience was on their feet.  All three men then together accepted their award.

Executive Director Jerry Aiken returned to make the Foundation Address, which concluded with the debut of a new video narrated by Project Co-Founder Clay Aiken, “Inclusion – What Are You Waiting For.”  Staff and volunteers will now use this video to help share the Project’s message.

Next on the evening’s program was the Live Auction.  A number of outstanding items were up for the highest bidder.   From tickets and a meet and greet opportunity for a David Foster and Friends Concert to a “Day with Clay,” the auction conducted by Clay Aiken and auctioneer Joe Veasey was once again a huge success.

After a warm introduction by Board Member Faye Parker, the evening came to a close with a performance by Clay Aiken.

inclusionproject.org

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12/15/2009
YOUNG ACTIVISTS TO DEVELOP A CAMPAIGN FOR INCLUSION

Effort will promote the idea that people of all abilities and backgrounds should fully participate in school and community.

BETHESDA, MD--Twenty young people from across the country will come together here next month to participate in a national summit.  Their goal: develop an advocacy campaign that builds awareness and support for the full social and educational inclusion of people with disabilities.  The youth leaders, diverse in their backgrounds, experiences and abilities, are united in their vision of a world where people of all abilities have the same opportunities.

The National Youth Inclusion Summit is organized by the Including Samuel Project, a program of University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, along with Imagination Stage, the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, and the National Inclusion Project.  Partners in the effort include the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Kids Included Together, Girl Scouts of the USA, Victor Pineda Foundation and VSA arts.

Every participating teen has already played a role in advocating for inclusion in their school or community.  Most recently, they have each facilitated discussion among their peers by coordinating a screening of Including Samuel, a documentary broadcast nationwide on PBS stations in the fall of 2009 that looks at five families’ stories of inclusion.  “By hosting screenings, such as the one for the film Including Samuel, which is a powerful documentary, we bring awareness to this issue,” states Liane, a sophomore at Yale and a Summit participant.

At the Summit, participants will share their personal experiences, hear from advocacy experts and work together to build a coordinated viral campaign on inclusion that engages youth nationally.
Sarah, an 11th grader from Iowa and a Summit participant, says about the Summit, “I believe that it is critical for teens to stand up and speak out about the importance of social inclusion for students with disabilities.  I feel that awareness and education are powerful tools and can really change the way we think about inclusion.”

“Including Samuel is resonating with this young audience and I hope it can be a catalyst for their generation,” added filmmaker Dan Habib, creator of Including Samuel.  “Without them, we cannot achieve the film’s vision of inclusion in our schools and communities.”

Tia, a Girl Scout in 7th grade from North Carolina, adds, “Disabilities should make our bonds with society and people in our community stronger, not weaker.”  Tia and the other nineteen participants will work toward this goal at the Summit.

The Summit will take place January 8-10, 2010, at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland.

inclusionproject.org

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1/07/2010
Golfing for Inclusion - February 1, 2010

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year, we at the National Inclusion Project hope you have enjoyed the holidays and wish all the very best for 2010.

This message is to remind everyone of our Golfing for Inclusion event that is just around the corner, February 1, 2010 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. Hopefully you and your friends will be able to join us for an exhilarating golf experience and an always interesting and entertaining evening. Golf slots and dinner guests seats are still available and you may register on line at www.inclusionproject.org/golf or call us at 919-314-5540.

Although we hope to see you in Palm Beach there are other ways which you can participate in the wonderful auction items that will be available. This year we have some great travel experiences such as trips to the Masters,   a golf/touring adventure to South Africa including meeting Gary Player and staying at his estate,  a six-day sailing cruise out of Grenada including roundtrip airfare for two, an all inclusive Panama Island resort stay including food, beverage and deep sea fishing excursion,  unique and signed golf pictures of Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, plus perhaps some Clay items! Check out these opportunities on our website and perhaps gift yourself that unique item that Santa did not deliver at www.inclusionproject.org/golf.

Help us get the new year off to a great start as together we work to make a difference in the lives of children!

inclusionproject.com

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2/09/2010
New National Fundraising Project - Painted Bottoms

We are so excited to introduce a fun and creative fundraising effort where individuals or teams can turn an unfinished oak chair or rocker into works of art!

Here is your chance to release that inner Rembrandt or Mary Emmerling, get out your favorite colors of paint and brushes, gather your friends and get started!

All proceeds will benefit the National Inclusion Project, and we have included all the details below on how to sponsor a chair and become part of the fun “Painted Bottoms” project.

We would love for this to become an annual event so let’s get many, many chairs out across the country! Have fun and use this opportunity to spread awareness! Here’s to a “rocking” success!

JUDGING
We have chosen four categories (see below) for you to choose from to paint your chair. It will then be judged by a team from the Project. Judging will be done approximately four weeks before the Champions Gala (Date TBD) from three 5x7 colored photographs (side/front/back) that you will send to us. Twelve chairs will be chosen for the final round of judging, and we will notify you to ship your chair to the Project’s office address.  The best chair from each category plus an overall Champion will come to the Champions Gala.  The best chairs from each category will be available in the Gala Silent Auction. The overall Champion chair will be signed by Clay Aiken and then auctioned LIVE at the Gala!

The seven chairs chosen for the final round of judging but not included in the Gala will not be returned to the sponsors. The Project will determine the best use for the chair.

If your chair is not chosen to come to the Gala, we hope that you will auction off your chair locally to raise additional funds for the National Inclusion Project!

CATEGORIES

    * Fan
    * Inclusion Awareness
    * Regional/State
    * Creative/Open

PRIZE
The sponsors of the winning chair, if present at the Gala, will have their picture taken with Clay and the winning chair and will receive autographed copies of your photo.

If the winning sponsors are NOT present at the Gala you will receive autographed copies of photo of Clay with your winning chair.

TEACHABLE MOMENTS
Sponsors, this will be a wonderful opportunity to use your chair to spread the word of the work of the National Inclusion Project.  Commission your local art classes, Girl Scout troop, garden club, etc. to paint your chair. This will allow you to talk about the Project and its work, thus spreading the word!

Aron Hall will have a PowerPoint presentation available for you to read and use for this purpose.

If you have chosen to use your chair in this way, please include a few paragraphs of your experience spreading the word of the Project’s work when you send us your 5x7 photographs for judging.

SPONSORING A CHAIR
To sponsor an Oak Chair:

    * Go to the National Inclusion Project’s Donation Page
    * Enter your billing information
    * Enter $125 in the “Other” Amount box
    * Enter “Painted Bottoms CHAIR” in the Special Events box
    * Hit Submit

*If paying by check, make it out to National Inclusion Project for $125 and put “Painted Bottoms CHAIR” in the memo line.

SPONSORING A ROCKER
To sponsor an Oak Rocker:

    * Go to the National Inclusion Project’s Donation Page
    * Enter your billing information
    * Enter $135 in the “Other” Amount box
    * Enter “Painted Bottoms ROCKER” in the Special Events box
    * Hit Submit

*If paying by check, make it out to National Inclusion Project for $135 and put “Painted Bottoms ROCKER” in the memo line.

(Note: Your cost includes $29 for a chair or $41 for a rocker plus $25 for shipping.  The donation for the National Inclusion Project is $71 per chair and $69 per rocker.)

NOTE: Rocker blades will come detached with instructions on how to mount.

If your chair is not chosen to come to the Project and you choose to donate your chair, a brass plaque with the inscription below is available for $15 to mount on the back of your chair.

Donated on behalf of the National Inclusion Project
www.inclusionproject.org

The chairs used for our project are manufactured by the Troutman Chair Co. in Troutman, NC.

PAINTING SUGGESTIONS
Chair may need light sanding, then a coat of latex primer. After painting is complete, coat your chair with several coats of polyurethane to protect your work of art.  You may also use stain to create your design.

CONTACT PERSON/QUESTIONS
Kitty Brandon
E-mail: upcopper2@aol.com
Phone 919-424-6579 or cell 919-606-6914

inclusionproject.com

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2/15/2010
Plan a Community Awareness Day!

Need a fundraiser and awareness event that is easy to organize and host in your own community?  Plan a Community Awareness Day!

Goal: To create inclusion awareness by speaking with patrons. Tell them about the work of The National Inclusion Project and what inclusion is.

Raise funds to support the programs of the Project by incorporating:

    * a bake sale
    * copies of Our Friend Mikayla.   Talk to patrons and tell them you are raising funds to donate the book to your community school and public libraries. Have a list of the schools with you. They may wish to choose a school to donate to.
    * gift baskets or gift certificates that patrons can win as a thank you for stopping by, buying a baked good, or donating a copy of Our Friend Mikayla.  This is not a raffle, but people love to win something and it draws them to your table.

How: Contact a local mall or festival organizers and inquire about space for local organizations to host awareness booths for their cause.  Some festivals and fairs may require you to get a license from the city at a minimal cost. Most malls do not require this. Make sure to have National Inclusion Project literature, banner, and volunteer cards on hand.

When: Whenever!  When planning your event, if at a mall, select a day where you would expect higher patron traffic. Weekends are best.

For more information email Cindy Skuce.

inclusionproject.com

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2/18/2010
3rd Annual Golfing For Inclusion Raises Over $150,000

Event benefited the National Inclusion Project and was hosted by multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – Supporters of the National Inclusion Project helped to raise over $150,000 at the 3rd annual Golfing for Inclusion.  The event sponsored by Allianz Life and American Portfolios was held at The Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on February 1, 2010. The funds raised will be used to provide children with disabilities the opportunity to play, learn and grow side-by-side with their typical peers.  Special recognition is also extended to Osiris Fund for a generous contribution supporting inclusion.

The event kicked off with Brunch and a Golf Clinic conducted by PGA professional Wayne Player. Despite rain, many golfers enjoyed playing on Mirasol’s exclusive Sunset course.  Immediately after golf, golfers and contest winners were recognized at the Awards Reception which included hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.  The event concluded with Dinner, a live auction, and a performance by Clay Aiken.

The National Inclusion Project, formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them.  By providing curriculum, training and financial assistance, the Project partners with communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open.  It is their goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced.

The Project has programs in over 38 states making a difference in the lives of children of all abilities.  This year, the National Inclusion Project is excited to partner with the Florida Lions Camp in Lake Wales.  The Project has also partnered with Florida Disabled Outdoors Association in Tallahassee.


Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America was the Title Sponsor of the 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion.  Allianz Life, founded in 1896, provides an array of annuities as well as long term care and life insurance products in the U.S. through a nationwide network of independent distribution.  The company is part of Allianz SE, a global financial services group that is the 20th largest company in the world based on revenues (Fortune Global 500, August 2009), employing nearly 155,000 people worldwide.


American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. continued its support of Golfing for Inclusion by becoming a Platinum Sponsor.  Headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y., American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) is a full-service independent broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC firm.  It was founded in 2001 by current CEO Lon T. Dolber to serve investment professionals in private practice.  The firm offers a complete range of financial services, including personal financial and retirement planning, securities trading, mutual funds, access to investment research, long-term care planning, insurance products and tax-free investing.  Fee-based asset management is offered through its subsidiary company, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.  Full-service securities brokerage is available through a clearing firm relationship with Pershing, LLC, the securities of which are held by these entities on a fully disclosed basis.  The firm currently serves over 600 independent investment professionals located in more than 300 branch locations throughout the nation.  For further information please contact local American Portfolios Registered Representatives Rich Gerepka and Victoria Brialmont, who have been very generous in giving their time and support to the National Inclusion Project.

inclusionproject.com