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ncwannabe:
I'm warning you right up front. This is gosh-awfully long. PLEASE SCROLL AT WILL.

Here’s my “I want to do a recap but not sure I remember anything of value and really don’t have time for this but I’ll try to do it anyway” recap. I’ll try to set the scene for those who weren’t there, so they can get an idea of the set up and time frame for things.

At 12:30 attendees could pick up their packets and also get an early look at the silent auction items. Many folks had been gathered in the lobby, waiting for the time, and soon a long line spread the entire length of the lobby as we all were so excited for this first step in what promised to be such a memorable event. The line moved quite quickly (with lots of reunions and hugs for distant friends going on), and soon my tablemates and I had picked up our packets, found out which table we were assigned to (table 11) and were reviewing the silent auction items which were displayed along the long corridor outside of the main dining room/performance area. Auction items lined both sides of the corridor and there were many “ooohs” and “aaahs” as attendees saw the items that were available for bid. I must say there are some extremely talented members of the Clay community!!

Fast forward a bit. My group was scheduled for arrival at 5:00 and I was down in the lobby by 4:15 or so. (yes I was a little excited and anxious – can you tell? I’m NEVER early for anything!!!) The lobby was looking grand with all of us in our gala finery as more and more people began pouring into the lobby. Finally it was 5:00 and off we went. We walked through the silent auction items area, and then were escorted into a separate room where we would wait as our group # for pictures was called. My group (toni, mercedes, winkatme, and carol5230) were group # 10. It was also in this room that the representative from Christie Cookies made her lovely speech and told us we had won!!! Massive cheers for that one!!!

Our group number was called (a kind of combination of groups, actually) and we were all milling in the hallway, waiting outside the room where we knew Clay was waiting for pictures. EEEEEE!! We managed to find the other five people who would make up the rest of our group and toni took charge and told them our group was all present and ready to go. Soon they called us and we were the first group to go in to have our pics taken! Filled with nervous anticipation we walked in and there he was!!! His back was to us initially as he appeared to be looking at some materials of some sort (maybe still going over the order of things for the program later) but he soon turned around and gave us a smile. My initial reaction??? OMG!!! He’s sooooo adorable!!!

The photographer was directing us to our various spots to stand for the photo and Clay piped up in his usual teasing, snarky way and kept telling us to “don’t look at me, listen to the photographer.” He was at that point still standing in front of us, facing us and pointing at the photographer. Then, in a completely random aside, Clay looked at me and said something like “You changed your hair, it’s different. It’s been a little while. How long has it been this way?” As he is finishing asking how long it’s been that way, he is now moving to his spot in the back row to place himself for the photo. He walks between the ladies in the center of the front row and moves into position in the back. Good thing, since I’m rather flabbergasted that he spoke to me and all I can do is mumble rather pathetically “I don’t know; maybe a month or two.” (I’m a stunning conversationalist, don’t you think?)

Anyway, by this time the photographer is ready to snap away and my feeble answer is forgotten (thank goodness) as we look forward and all smile. The photographer takes two pics, and then we were escorted out of the room . I sort of remember looking back for one last glimpse of the man before we went out the door. Wanted to soak up as much as I could!!!

Our plan had been to go directly into the main room as soon as our pictures were over so that we could find where our table was (ended up third row back, dead center. Yay!) and dump our purses and wraps or whatnot. However, the doors were not open. So, we waited in the corridor amid the silent auction items for quite some time. It became very crowded as the second wave of attendees had arrived by now, and soon the area was jammed with nervous, eager and excited women (whose feet hurt standing in our fancy shoes!!), waiting for the doors to open and the gala to begin. We used the opportunity to make some new friends and speculate about what the evening would have in store for us. Finally the doors opened around 6:30 and we all found our tables/seats.

Prior to actually starting dinner, Lynda Loveland (looking as stunning as always) made opening remarks. She introduced Clay, who came out and spoke very eloquently about the Project. At one point Clay started to say that he had never “dreamed . . .” but then he stopped and changed the word to “thought” that the Project could be as big and impactful as it has become. That struck me that he changed the word he used. Because I think he did “dream” about what the Project could become, but at the time the project first started I’m sure his reality was more along the lines of “hopefully we can make a go of this and make some impact here and there.” As I listened to him, I felt so proud of what he and Diane envisioned and what they have accomplished.

Next was dinner. Just a quick word about it for historical purposes. Salad was already on the table, along with water and unsweetened ice tea. The entrée was salmon, mashed potatoes and a cut of steak of some sort. Rolls were passed around. Dessert was New York cheesecake with strawberry drizzle.

After dinner, Lynda introduced Diane Bubel. She was wonderful – such a passionate speaker. A beautiful example of living a life of inclusion. In the course of her speech, she conveyed to the audience that we had won the Christie Cookie contest (many had not been present in the reception room to hear the initial announcement earlier.) The place just erupted in cheering!!! I’m eternally grateful that Clay began working with Mike and met this family that changed the course of all of their lives.

Next (I think) Jerry Aiken made some remarks, before turning it back over to Lynda. It was time for the first award, and Lynda announced Kristy (Barnes)White, who would intro the presentation and then present the award. It was for the young women who created the “Sparkle Effect.” The video showing them in action was lovely, and it was narrated by Clay himself. I was so impressed with these young women. The one who spoke after receiving the award showed amazing poise and wisdom for a girl of her age. I commend them so much on their efforts.

Next, Jerry Aiken intro’d the corporate award, which went to Mitsubishi (forgive me, I do not recall the actual name of which component of Mitsubishi they are). Their video was professional and informative and the two representatives of the corporation who accepted the award were both very honored and thankful to receive the award. Very well done.

Next it was time for the new Bubel/Aiken Founders Award. Both Clay and Diane came out together to explain the concept for the award and to announce the nominees. Clay said he was nervous about this! He also mentioned that it was an extremely hard to decision to come up with the finalist and the winner, and mentioned that they argued and discussed and argued and changed their minds and argued. .. LOL! He reached down under the podium to bring out the actual award (or trophy for lack of a better word) and they outlined each of the finalists’ accomplishments, before finally announcing the winner. I’ll add at this point that it was mentioned some time during the evening that Clay himself designed the awards.

Next it was time for the award honoring the Hughes’ and the band director at the college Patrick Henry is attending. The award was introduced and presented by Dr. Braeme. You’ve all heard by now that Patrick performed two songs to a most enthusiastic audience. Afterword, he spoke briefly, as did the band director and his father. A very moving and inspirational story to say the least!!!

Lynda returned at this point and actually was in tears as she described watching Patrick’s father’s face while his son was performing. She was very moved, and had to take a moment to collect herself before announcing that it was time for the auction to begin.

Up comes Joe, our friendly, funny auctioneer for the last two galas. Clay announces he is going to be Joe’s sidekick. They have a great thing going, with a lot of back and forth between the two and a very easy give and play between them throughout the entire auction. It’s obvious they like and respect each other. I love that throughout the auction Clay’s friends and family are helping. Board member Frances Wilson assists during the auction bringing and displaying some items on stage. As does Clay’s brother Brett. We also saw Clay’s friend Cameron throughout the night and know that he was helping out as well. It makes me extremely happy to see how much Clay’s friends/family support him in this. He is so loved.

I won’t mention every auction item but just a few random recollections as I recall them of things I particularly remember . During the guitar auction, which was the first item, Clay mentions it is signed by Kelly C, himself and Fantasia, and says that Ruben is “available” and he can get him to sign it as well. Then he says that way it will be signed all by people who beat him! The DF & F’s tickets were one of the surprise items not listed for bid originally. So, as Clay begins to explain what the next item up for bid is, he says that it comes from a good friend, and then mentions “family” as well. Awwwww. As Clay is describing who all is going to be at the DF concerts, he mentions Ruben, Peter Cetera, and Charice. He says Charice’s album will be great and that it is “gonna finance my son’s college education – thanks to Jaymes.” (Jaymes is the EP on the album). Hee!!! He said “you’ll have to buy 7 of that one too.”

Another item is a huge poster from Spamalot, the actual one that hung in the frame on the outside wall of the Shubert theatre (the one to the left of the door on the corner, facing 44th street). The thing is huge, and Clay mentions it is quite heavy. I see fingers around the edge holding it up, but can’t see who is behind it. As bidding goes on, I see Clay make a motion to the person holding the poster, and suddenly he pushes it so that it falls forward onto the floor and there stands a grinning Sean behind it. Clay says he’ll throw in dinner with Sean along with it!! This morphs into an actual bid for dinner with Sean, mainly a war between Ethyl and the McVargas girls. I’ not sure who actually won, but the winning bid was $1000. More to that later. The stripped funky jacket from the NAT comes out, and Clay says we had a word for it. He asks us to repeat it, as he says it is “not appropriate.” Hee! Clay first declines trying it on, but soon takes off his suit coat and gives it a go! Success! He’s soooo proud! He even can button it with room to spare! Bidding goes crazy and the final bid is for (I think) $34,000. Woohoo!

Dinner for ten is announced as an item up for bid. My group is going to bid, after having such an amazing time last year. However, we have a limit. Lovely mercedes is doing the bidding for us. We have to bow out, but not before going waaaaay over what my limit was!!!! Whew! Hope the winners enjoy it as much as we did! In the course of describing how the auction item came to be, Clay describes how last year he was going to go to the Celine concert with a group of 10. But that it snowed, and the dinner with we ten happened instead. He then says “and here’s the picture of us all” and up pops a picture of all of us and Clay at the dinner! Good Lord! I’m on the big screen!! He talks with us a bit from the audience, asking a few questions, among them inquiring how long the dinner was. When we say it was about 3 and ½ hours, he says well it must have been enjoyable cause he didn’t think it was that long (or something to that effect, I think. The fog was happening.) Anyway, when the winning bid of $41,000 was secured, Clay yells for Sean to come back out. Sean appears and Clay gives him a “Hey Sean, how much was your dinner bid again???” Snarky Clay at his best!!!!

Next is the surprise “Clay experience” which Clay prefaces by saying that whenever friends of his from out of town come to visit, he generally takes them on his own tour of Raleigh, which tends to include the places that are meaningful to him and places he frequents and so on. Sooo, a “Day with Clay” is the surprise. Wow! The tittering and tingle around the room is palpable. Who is the lucky person who can afford this???? A bit of a bidding war ensues, and Spooky emerges the winner. What a great prize Clay came up with! Hopefully he’ll think of something equally unique for next year too.

The last item of the night is the “Back for More” cd. As he begins to tell about it and says it is illegal (with the appropriate scared look on his face for breaking the law!) and this is the only other copy of something, other than what he has on his computer and Jaymes has on her computer, I said to myself “OMG, it’s Back for More.” Clay moves the piano bench over, goes backstage to bring out a portable cd player, and holds the mic up to the speakers and presses play. Sure enough, it’s Back for More. The place goes wild!!! Our dear fellow CVer Claym8 places the winning bid and, as she was sitting right at my table, I hear her say “I’m getting a hug.” Before anyone can stop her, she marches right up to the stage and holds out her arms. Clay complies and gives her a big hug!! Lucky girl!!!!

Thus the auction ends, and Jerry comes out and speaks for a bit, once again reviewing the wonderful work of the Project and how the Project has made many “friends” and has partnered with many organizations, including Johns Hopkins, the Eunice Shriver program, various universities, and whatnot. He urges us to keep spreading the word, and to donate when we can. He then brings out Faye to introduce Clay.

Faye intros the band first and then goes on to talk of Clay a bit. Among other things, she mentions that he has always cared about kids who didn’t fit in and who would be sitting on the sidelines. That is when we hear Clay interject from backstage with a loud “What????” It is hilarious! Faye ends her intro by saying here is “her son, you all love him, Clay Aiken. “ (exact quote may be wrong, but you get the idea)

I know you’ve al seen the clack, you know what he sang. Just let me say that as soon as Clay began to sing, it was like coming home. I had waited (as we all have) for sooo long to hear that voice. I just sat there with a huge smile on my face, taking it all in. I was lucky enough to have a wonderful seat where I could see Clay’s face, his expressions, his beautiful hands. I love how Clay sings. His entire body sings. He puts everything into it. His body language is so fluid. As some have mentioned, the notes weren’t all perfect. He especially struggled with "As Long As We're Here". I won’t begin to speculate about what may have been going on with Clay – tired, grief, allergies – I just don’t know about any of that. But, what I do know is that the man I watched put everything he had into the performance. His voice, to me, was still beautiful. He connected with me. He interacted with us in that special way he has. He smiled when we all laughed as he forgot the words. He knows we know him – he knows we love him anyway. He rolled his eyes and laughed a bit as he sung when we hooted and hollered after the long “Myyyyyyyyy” in MEAY. And he smiled big when he told us “don’t worry” that he was “in the studio working on some things.” He knew we needed to hear that – he gave us that to hold on to. And, when he began singing MR, and an audible gasp escaped from the audience, I saw just the slightest hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth.

Geez, this is a book. Sorry. I like to give details for those not there, but perhaps this is just too much. Sorry. But, if you’ve lasted this long, here’s my parting shot. I’m thrilled for Clay. Thrilled for such a spectacular success that the Project has become for him. Thrilled that this gala is such an incredible event. And I’m thrilled that so many of us were there. If you recall, the gala sold out in 4 minutes! And what is wonderful is that we ALL wanted to be there. Last year, there was a lot of tension. Emotions were raw. I think many of us felt protective – I know I did. I was anxious to let Clay know that I was here – not going away – here for the duration. And I was worried about those who were there who did not feel the same way.
This year, we are past that. Yes, some have left. But many remain. And he knows that. He knows that those of us here now love him and support him and support his causes and that for many of us it has become our cause as well. We live it and believe it. There was no tension. No need to protect. So while the evening may not have had the same emotional connection as it did last year, it is wonderful to know that it didn’t need to. Clay is loved AND accepted by the people in that room Saturday night. He knew it. Enough said.

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Permaswooned wrote:
They seem to love challenging us photo folks with lighting at this event. I must have tried 17 settings before I semi-got it right at the end. One interesting thing....the stage spotlights looked straight down from above, which created weird shadows on everyones faces. Clay's eyes are deep-set, and his eyelashes were not dyed as they were last year because of Spamalot. They are almost white and shaded his eyes, also casting shadows below his eyes, plus he was wearing glasses. All those things combined to make his eyes look "puffier". He had shadows under his eyes, which could have been fatigue, allergies, the lighting, or all three. Still...I thought he looked quite handsome:

http://permaswooned.smugmug.com/photos/685411521_Sj8Tx-L.jpg

hhclayfanjen

Oct 19 2009, 05:19 PM

You are very welcome for the pictures and I want to Thank You for having this site I have made some amazing friends through and I hope to meet more in the future.You are the best!!

Jen.... Awww!

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I arrived home from the gala late last night after a 13 hour drive. I had a wonderful, wonderful time starting with dinner at Mo’s Diner on Friday evening. Great food and good friends….a winning combination. Thanks to geekette for arranging the dinner…great choice.

Saturday was a day of anticipation. I couldn’t wait to see him, and I wasn’t disappointed. I thought he looked beautiful. Yes, he looked a little tired, but he looked great anyway. I attended the gala last year and sat in the very back corner of the room. This year I wanted more, so I was part of a silver table, which included a group picture with Clay. He breezed in and out of the photo room so quickly that I couldn’t even remember what he was wearing. That’s okay though. I still enjoyed the experience, and I have my picture with Clay… and I’ll do it again next year.

As others have said, the honoree presentations were first class, from the videos to the speeches…very moving.

I had a table fairly close the stage, so I was able to take lots of pictures. Unfortunately, the teleprompter was in my line of vision for most of my pics. It’s like looking at him through a window.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o275/SHAMROCK-PAT/Gala%202009/gala095.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o275/SHAMROCK-PAT/Gala%202009/gala110.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o275/SHAMROCK-PAT/Gala%202009/gala111.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o275/SHAMROCK-PAT/Gala%202009/gala112.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o275/SHAMROCK-PAT/Gala%202009/gala113.jpg

Smiling Clay
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o275/SHAMROCK-PAT/Gala%202009/gala150.jpg

A handsome man
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o275/SHAMROCK-PAT/Gala%202009/gala183.jpg