Kids N’ Community and The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Form Partnership

	Clay Aiken sang live in his hometown for the first time since the American Idol 2 tour stop on Aug. 6 at RBC Center. > Clay Aiken Multimedia
	Clay Aiken Multimedia
	>Foundation Announcement: Audio/Video report, including sound check High | Med | Low High | Med | Low >National Anthem: High | Med | Low High | Med | Low | mp3 >First Intermission: "I Will Carry You" on skates High | Med | Low High | Med | Low >Second Intermission: Two songs, including "The Way" High | Med | Low High | Med | Low >Second Intermission Encore: Clay sings his hit, "Invisible" High | Med | Low High | Med | Low > Photo Gallery A Special Gallery of Clay's Appearances
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RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 24, 2003) – Ken Lehner, Vice President of Marketing Communications for the Carolina Hurricanes, announced today that Raleigh native and “American Idol” star Clay Aiken will perform the national anthem prior to the Hurricanes’ game against the Dallas Stars on Dec. 22 at the RBC Center. In addition to the national anthem, Aiken will perform a song from his double platinum-selling Measure of a Man album, during the game’s first intermission.

To mark Aiken’s performance at the Dec. 22 Hurricanes game, there will be a limited number of 150 suite tickets available via sale on eBay that will include admission to the game, Aiken’s performance, food and beverage and a private meet-and-greet with Aiken in the suite. In addition, exclusive Clay Aiken autographed merchandise will be available at auction during the game at the Kids N’ Community Foundation kiosk.

“The convergence of Caniacs and Clayniacs should lead to a highly energized environment at the RBC Center,” said Lehner. “His performance at the game against Dallas will provide an excellent opportunity to raise awareness for both his and our charitable foundations.”

Starting at 3 p.m. EST on Nov. 25, tickets to this gala event will go on sale in the Bubel/Aiken Foundation's eBay store. Santa Clay will be visiting with fans in both suites during the game (when he's not singing, of course).

On Dec. 21, immediately following the Hurricanes’ “Skate with the Canes” event, Aiken will host “Skate with Clay,” where Aiken will skate with children, both disabled and without disabilities. “Skate with Clay” will kick off with a news conference to announce a partnership between the Hurricanes’ Kids N’ Community Foundation and Aiken’s The Bubel/Aiken Foundation.

“I am very thankful to the Hurricanes for the opportunity to help spread the word about The Bubel/ Aiken Foundation,” said Aiken. “It is a thrill for me to have such support from my hometown. I am excited about our partnership with the Hurricanes and the opportunities we will bring- together- to children with special needs.”

Aiken founded The Bubel/Aiken Foundation to benefit young people with developmental disabilities and envisions a world where young people with developmental disabilities are totally immersed in all life has to offer. “The desegregation of programs, jobs, services, and educational opportunities will benefit children with and without special needs,” says Aiken, and “we will build our legacy by breaking down the barriers that prevent families from obtaining the services and financial assistance they need while serving as a watch dog to make sure the public continues to keep those barriers down.” For more information on The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, please visit http://www.thebubelaikenfoundation.org).

The Kids ‘N Community Foundation provides much needed funding to children’s charities and education programs throughout North Carolina. With ongoing support from players, annual special events and the corporate community, the Foundation has funded scholarship programs, youth hockey, educational and literacy efforts, children’s health programs, the arts and other children’s related initiatives. Annually, the Foundation provides cash and in-kind contributions totaling nearly $1 million to charitable and educational programs in North Carolina. Hurricanes players, their families and the team’s staff are actively involved in community activities. The Hurricanes take great pride in the ability to have a positive impact in our state.