THE NATIONAL INCLUSION PROJECT

[WNYClayFan]

Hi!

We have secured wrapping dates and need some volunteers to fill some of the time slots......here's our needs list.....

Borders Books
Henrietta NY
Saturday, December 11th  5pm-10pm

Barnes & Noble
Williamsville NY
Saturday December 4th  10am-2pm
Saturday December 4th  2pm-6pm
Saturday December 4th  6pm-10pm
Saturday December 18th  10am-2pm
Saturday December 18th  2pm-6pm
Saturday December 18th  6pm-10pm
Thursday December 23rd  10am-2pm
Thursday December 23rd  2pm-6pm
Thursday December 23rd  6pm-10pm

If you can help out during any of these times, I would greatly appreciate it!!!  I'd really hate to have to cancel these dates!!!

You can email me at WrappingInWNY@aol.com

Thanks
Cathie Zakrzewski
New York State Co-Coordinator
Wrapping For Inclusion
Bubel-Aiken Foundation

[djhorn73]

Well so far Ohio is still without anyone to head the teams in each city.  We have some wrappers in Columbus, Dayton, and a few in Cleveland.   But so far... nothing has come together.   If anyone can help out in Ohio set up some stations PLEASE let me know. So far Ohio has nothing set up. I have been trying and trying and keep running into brick walls.  (I am the Ohio state rep... by the way.) I have wrappers but no CTL to head the project off. So if anyone can help PLEASE let me know!   Thanks!!! (julie@videoexpressions.biz)

[WNYClayFan]

Hey Julie......I don't have any CTLs either.....I'm doing all the coordinating from one end of the state for 3 different cities-seems to be working out okay.  If you've got volunteers to wrap, just ask them to get you some phone numbers and contact the Community Relations person at that site.

[Marilyn]

IS ANYONE DOING ANYTHING ON LONG ISLAND? I ALWAYS CONTRIBUTE TO THIS, SO LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO.

[djhorn73]

Thanks for the info.... I don't have enough adults to supervise the wrappers that I do have. They are mostly younger kids that want to wrap. So I am kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. The biggest problem is the fact that I wasn't the original State rep for Ohio. We had 2 other ladies that were going to do it but then they couldn't... one got sick.... so then I offered to give it a try and this all happend about a month ago, so I have had VERY little time to get things together. But I have tried.... I just don't know what else to do. They said since this is the first year for this that they expect some states won't do well... but I was REALLY hoping Ohio would do great! So I just feel like I am failing and I just feel aweful! Anyway..... I am just doing all I can to find people to help out.... but it is getting to be to late... so this is sort of my last attempt to find people to help out in Ohio....... but next year... we will do MUCH better!!! If they decide to use all the same people then I am going to start finding places and people WAY in advance!!!!!! Thanks again for your advice! I can use all the help I can get!

[houstonclayfan]

I received this e-mail today from BAF.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is proud to announce a nationwide holiday gift-wrapping fundraiser, Wrapping for Inclusion. From November 19-December 24, volunteers of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will set up gift-wrapping booths at stores and malls across the country and wrap gifts in exchange for donations. The donations will support the mission statement of the foundation, serving the vision of inclusion opportunities for children of all abilities.

Monies raised will help fund projects of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation including its YMCA initiative. This summer, camps for children with and without disabilities, were instituted by the Foundation in collaboration with YMCAs in Kansas City, Missouri and the North Carolina cities of Concord and Raleigh.

We have secured locations to wrap in many states and cities across the country and we are seeking more wrappers! We are looking for volunteers of all ages and abilities. You can give as much or as little time as you would like! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in any way possible!

Why not:
Get a team of teachers, students, and parents together and make it a community service project.
Post a notice in your church newsletter or bulletin and form a team to give back for the holiday season.
Volunteer for a day with your family to celebrate the spirit of giving.
Gather a group of students from your school and pair with students from a special needs school to promote inclusion and make some new friends.
Ask charitable organizations in your community to make a donation of their time and help wrap for an evening.
Have a friendly competition between two groups, grades, classes, organizations, etc. and see who can log the most wrapping hours.
Ask your local Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop to get involved.
Come one, come all and join in the fun! Every person no matter what your age or ability is encouraged to be a part of this great event! You decide how much time you can give and when you would like to wrap.

We are also seeking donations of wrapping supplies: seasonal or plain-colored wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, tape, scissors or monetary donations to purchase these supplies.

To volunteer for this great project, to donate supplies or money, or for more information, please e-mail the Wrapping for Inclusion Project Management Team at

wrappingforinclusion@verizon.net  

[Claymaniac113078]

HoustonClayFan,

Thanks for the info.  I just e-mailed them to volunteer my help if they will be in CT.

Have a GREAT Clay Day!!

Cindy

[KSChristian4Clay]

HoustonClayFan,
I just got that e-mail, too!
Cindy,
I know you'll have fun! I'm wrapping in Wichita, KS with my friend, Jen, our state coordinator.

[Pamela]

Toys For Tots
Clay is the Toys For Tots Offcial 2004 Marine Corps Toys for Tots Honorary Spokesman.

For those wishing to MAIL IN a donation, here is the address to mail to:

Toys for Tots Foundation
P.O. Box 1947
Marine Corps Base
Quantico, VA 22134

Money Orders/checks should be sent to The Toys for Tots Foundation with the words "Clay Aiken" on the envelope to enable TFT to track all donations from Clay Aiken Fans.
DONATE ONLINE HERE

[Invisible Touch]

I am going to be a wrapper at the Mall of America a couple of times in Dec.  I'm looking forward to it, should be fun!!  A good way to raise money for BAF and get some exposure!!

[Pamela]

FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Multiplatinum recording artist Clay Aiken will be performing songs from his upcoming Christmas album, "Voices for Change,' at a gala benefit dinner in Los Angeles for the Bubel/Aiken Foundation (TBAF), taking place Nov. 19 at the Century Plaza Hotel. (For info and tickets, see www.voicesforchangebenefit.org.

"For years, people with disabilities were the population to be served instead of them getting to serve, so we're hoping to change that mind-set,' says Aiken, who in 2003 co-founded TBAF, which provides grants and services to children with special needs. His co-founder is Diane Bubel, a parent and disability activist whose son Mike has autism.

"I worked at the YMCA for years, and I saw kids get turned away from the program because there wasn't enough funding to train staff or even to have extra staff for kids with disabilities,' he adds.

During the gala, Aiken will salute Champions of Change honorees Laura San Giacomo ("Just Shoot Me'), an advocate for inclusive education, and Taylor Cross, the teenager with autism who directed the film "Normal People Scare Me.' "Entertainment Tonight' co-anchor Mark Steines will be the master of ceremonies, and there will be special performances by the ARC Hand Bell choir and the CHIME School children's choir.

On November 11th, the paper issued this correction:

CORRECTION: Clay Aiken's Nov. 19 Century Plaza fund-raiser on behalf of his foundation helping those with learning disabilities is named Voices for Change -- not his CD, as we wrote earlier this week. Aiken's Christmas album is titled "Merry Christmas With Love.'

From the November 9th LA Daily News, from the syndicated "Celebrities" column by Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith.
U GOSSIP

[Pamela]

More on the Pacific Rim Conference and Gala

****GALA/BENEFIT DINNER IN HAWAII, February 25, 2005****
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aloha everyone,

I have just been given the okay signal to post this on all the messageboards so please help me pass this along to other boards.

This covers both the Pacific Rim Conference and the gala/benefit dinner for the Bubel/Aiken Foundation that will be happening in late February 2005.

I only ask that you read the entire post thoroughly before asking questions that may already be addressed.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Friday February 25, 2005 The Bubel/Aiken Foundation in conjunction with the 21st Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities proudly present

Hawaii Voices for Change Benefit Dinner Gala
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

Tickets will be sold exclusively through The Bubel/Aiken Foundation website (the specific link to follow) but will not start being sold for another 1-2 weeks.

Ticket & Table Pricing as Follows:

$175.00 · One Single Admission Ticket

$250.00 · One Single Admission Ticket with Priority Seating
· Name included in the Program

Tables of 10

$5,000.00 · Table of 10 with Close Proximity to the Stage
· One Quarter Page Ad in the Program
· Prominent Placement in All Advertising
· Prominent Placement on Website Sponsor List

$10,000.00 · Table of 10 Close to the Stage
· 10 Tickets to the VIP Reception with Clay Aiken
· Group Photo with Clay Aiken
· One Half-Page Ad in the Program with Prominent Placement
· Excellent Placement in All Advertising
· Excellent Placement on Website Sponsor List

$15,000.00 · Table for 10 Closest to the Stage
· 10 Tickets to the VIP Reception with Clay Aiken
· Individual Photos with Clay Aiken (Up to 10)
· Full-Page Ad in the Program with Most Prominent Placement
· Top Placement in All Advertising
· Top Placement on Website Sponsor List

Here is a link to an ad that will be running in a couple of publications in December: www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/pac...m_gala.pdf . Please note that the local contact number will not go live until after Saturday November 20th.

More than likely there will be no cameras, video recording devices or audio recording devices allowed in the room at the conference. This includes but is not limited to cell phone cameras or other unique device. If someone is caught using any type of recording device, whether for still images, video or audio, they will be escorted by security off property and will not be entitled to any type of refund of any registration money paid to attend the conference.

We are suggesting that fans do not register for the conference but instead purchase their tickets to attend the Gala since he will be performing at that event. The conference is designed for those with and without a disability to learn and to disseminate information in the field, not for fans specifically.

The email address and phone number listed in the advertisement are not for fan mail and therefore none will be accepted or returned. They are set up for answering questions about the event only as well as a means of contact for anyone wishing to provide underwriting or sponsorship. All ticket information will be able to be found on The Bubel/Aiken Foundation website (again, the specific ticket purchasing link to follow).

Neither the hotel nor the Planning Committee address will accept fan mail, gifts or the like so please request that nothing be sent as it will not be delivered.

There is no need for anyone to contact the email address or the phone number asking to volunteer for either event as we have both events covered.

There will be no special requests accepted from anyone with regard to the gala, the conference, or Clay so please ask that no one inquire as any inquiries will not be replied to.

From Cynde808 at Clayboard.

[Pamela]

Teen filmmaker who's autistic to be honored
Newbury Park 15-year-old surprises mom

By Sue Davis, sdavis@VenturaCountyStar.com
November 15, 2004

Taylor Cross has a few things most 15-year-olds don't.

The Newbury Park teen has an award-winning film in the can. He has a feature-length movie on the way. And he has autism.

When Taylor was a baby, a doctor said he would never walk or talk, said his mother, Keri Bowers.

"Many of us parents were told to put our child in an institution," Bowers said. "We were told our child would never contribute to society. They just didn't know at the time."

Taylor not only walks and talks but plans to attend New York University to study directing and film editing.

"Not even UCLA or USC," Taylor said. "Totally out of state. That's how high my expectations are."

Taylor will be honored for his first film, "Normal People Scare Me," Friday in Los Angeles at a gala benefit dinner for the Bubel-Aiken Foundation, a nonprofit organization created in 2003 by "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel, mother of a son with autism.

Aiken has a degree in special education and has done music therapy with Bubel's son. He will perform at the benefit, which also honors actress Laura San Giacomo, a disability activist.

Bowers said her son came up with the idea of making a film when he was trying to raise money for an annual family community service project.

"At Christmas, we adopt two families of battered women," she said.

"This time, Taylor wanted to pay for it himself."

Bowers suggested mowing lawns to earn money, but Taylor was determined to make and market a film.

His mother discouraged her son at first, but soon realized she was sending the wrong message.

"What a horrible thing to say, 'You can't do that,' " she said.

Taylor made the 10-minute film with the help of friends he had made at Joey Travolta's Entertainment Experience acting workshop.

The documentary film asks seven autistic teens a series of questions about their lives.

Film co-producer Alisa Wolf said when the film was shown at the Chaminade High School Film Festival in West Hills, parents of children with autism drove two hours to see it.

"After that, our office was getting 50 calls a day about it," Wolf said.

The feature-length film will be along the same lines as "Normal People Scare Me," but will include interviews with families and friends of youths with autism, Wolf said.

Bowers said she is happy to see her son learn important social skills and to show his talents to the world.

She and her son spoke to a group of parents of autistic children at University of California, Irvine, this weekend.

"He spoke from a place and to them in a way that I never could," she said. "He touches, moves and inspires people."

VENTURA COUNTY STAR (registration required)

[KSChristian4Clay]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I received an e-mail from our state coordinator about the Wrapping for Inclusion shirts. The info was sent to her by Amy Frederick. The shirts are available for purchase on the BAF website  www.bubelaikenfoundation.org and are only available in sizes M-XL.

[Claymaniac113078]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I received an e-mail from our state coordinator about the Wrapping for Inclusion shirts. The info was sent to her by Amy Frederick. The shirts are available for purchase on the BAF website www.bubelaikenfoundation.org and are only available in sizes M-XL.

Thanks for the info Meesa!  I was wondering if there was something special we should wear when volunteering....Now I will have a teeshirt and button to wear!!

Cindy

[KSChristian4Clay]

Just received another e-mail and they are working on getting bigger sizes available for those that want the WFI shirts. They should be available soon and will be added to the BAF store soon.

[Claymaniac113078]

Wow...I ordered my t-shirt and a button last night and I received an email that they shipped today!!  Woo Hoo!! Can't wait to see them!

Cindy

[KSChristian4Clay]

Ordered mine last night, too. Mine shipped today as well. Great minds think alike!  

[Pamela]

Clay Aiken Joyful Noise Concert Toy Drive

Deadline: Dec 18th
Fans should bring a new, unwrapped toy , something you would give to your own child or have for themselves. If someone doesn't have time to shop for a toy, there will be a means to make a cash donation as you enter the venue, but TOYS ARE THE PREFERENCE!

If an individual wants to donate at a concert, they should put the donation in an envelope with Clay Aiken Fan Donation on the envelope. Preferably a cashier's check or money order, rather than cash.

There will be Marines at each venue collecting the toys as well as monetary donations.

Please note the following:

Any concert after December 18th should have no toys donated . The suggestion of Toys for Tots would be that anyone attending a concert after Dec 18th should make an internet donation versus a toy donation.

Or knowing that your concert is after that date, you could mail in a donation, again stating on the envelope that it is for the Clay Aiken Fan Donation.

Toys for Tots needs the time to gather the toys and sort them out in time for Christmas, that is the reason for their cut off date.

[HavinaClayAffair]

Thank you for that info Pamela..I am attending one before the cutoff and one after...I wondered about that and now I have my answer!!

Hugs,

Lora