Clay Aiken News FATHER'S DAY- The first for Clay Aiken by Jan Dillberg Clay Aiken and his son, Parker Foster Aiken *** On August 8th, 2008, at 8:08AM, celebrity Clay Aiken and his dear friend and noted record producer Jaymes Foster became parents.  On June 21st, 2009, Clay  -along with other fathers around the country- will celebrate his own first Father's Day.  Clay has said many times in the past that he wanted children. After the birth of his son, he stated publicly that "coming out" was the first real decision he made as a father. He also said that he "could not raise a child to lie or hide things", and added that he wants his son to always be free to be who he is and to know that he is accepted.  Clay's road to coming out publicly was a long and difficult one.  He had been raised in the south in a family who had long been members of a conservative Southern Baptist church. Clay had a strong sense of responsibility to protect his family from what he knew would be something very difficult for them to accept, and from what he also knew would be publicly embarrassing for his beloved and very traditional family. Yet, when his son was born, he came out publicly to set for him an example of openness and honesty.  This is the only time in which Clay has spoken publicly about his son, other than to say, notably on his official fan club, that his son is "doing great" and that questions about the child  and his private life are "off limits".   What better example for a celebrity to set for his own child than to be brave enough to face head -on what one knows will lead to much publicity and criticism, while at the same time setting clear-cut rules about the privacy of his family? What we do know about Clay is that he believes strongly in human rights and the right of every child to be given an education and a chance for a healthy and productive life. Clay Aiken is a man who knows that it should not matter where the child lives or what the child's physical or mental limitations might be;  these rights should be universal.    What better example could a father set for his child than to care so deeply about all children? Clay proved this first when he was a young YMCA worker who went to bat for a wheelchair -bound child who was excluded from going to camp because the camp did not have counselors who were trained or the equipment needed to allow the child to participate in activities with the typically- abled children.  This frustrating experience caused Clay to make it his mission to do everything he could to see that camps which were equipped to include differently-abled children were established.  While still on the summer 2003 tour with the American Idol 2 finalists, Clay managed to complete the requirements for his Bachelor's Degree in Special Education.  Before his stint on American Idol, he had been working as a mentor to a young boy by the name of Michael Bubel who had autism. To fulfill a course assignment by one of his professors, Clay set up an imaginary foundation (dubbed The Bubel Aiken Foundation) that would sponsor camps which included special needs children with typically- abled children.  While on tour, many of his fans began donating funds to support this foundation. This surprised Clay and inspired him to follow through and use the money that was donated to make the Bubel Aiken Foundation into a reality!   What better example for a father to set for a child than to use his celebrity to work hard for the inclusion of differently -abled children? Since that time, sponsorship of the Bubel Aiken Foundation has steadily increased. In addition, Clay, while appearing as a celebrity contestant on the TV Show "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" won $300,000 dollars which went to sponsor thirty more camps that included special needs children with typical children, allowing them to interact and learn about each other.    What better example to set for one's own child than to actively work to practice what you preach--- to walk the walk as well as talking the talk? As further evidence of his humanitarianism,  Clay is an enthusiastic ambassador for UNICEF and has traveled at least five times to foreign countries.  Among these countries are Afghanistan, Uganda, Somalia, Mexico and Indonesia.  During his visits to war-torn nations and areas experiencing natural disasters, Clay advocates for children's health, safety and education. This man with the big voice and huge grin brings smiles to the faces of impoverished and suffering children, and embraces them with laughter and song.   What better example for a father to set for his son than to travel to dangerous areas and actively and lovingly work for the rights of every child? The public has rarely seen Clay Aiken with his own child, which proves that he works hard to protect his family from publicity. This man will continue to endeavor to be a loving and supportive father to his young son as he grows, instilling in him the value of helping others and being open and accepting to all. Fans of 'Clay Aiken the Performer' know that he brings them joy when he sings - and laughter as he banters hilariously with the audience during his concerts. But just as importantly, 'Clay Aiken the Father' will bring joy, laughter and integrity to the very important job of parenting his own precious child. Happy Father's Day, Clay!   Submit Comment (moderated) ***   Comments: That was BEAUTIFUL.  I wish you would bring it over to the OFC with the hope that Clay would see it.  -Joann What a wonderful summary of who Clay is.  I honestly consider him the ultimate father.  The trait that I admire and respect most about Clay is his consistency.  What he believes, he lives by.  He makes his own decisions based on his faith and excellent common sense and is not derailed by anyone or any adversity.  He is truly resilient and does not feel sorry for himself.  I can't even imagine that Parker will not have the same characteristics.  How lucky he is to have Clay as his dad. -Mitzi I just had to tell you how VERY MUCH I enjoyed this beautifully crafted tribute to Clay Aiken!  You have managed to capture, in words, the core essence of this remarkable man! Singer of Songs, Humanitarian, and now - for the first time - the title & joy of being a "DAD" on Father's Day!      There are many entertainers out there, and there are many who work hard to bring about change to the lives of differently-abled children.  But somehow,  Clay brings something else to the table - an indefinable something - that makes people want to participate, not just initially, but with ongoing support.  I have heard a number of people speak of an "AURA" that seems to surround him. -Rita What a beautiful tribute to Clay and his family. He is truly the Measure of A Man. Thank you for this tribute.  -Phyllis This was a truly beautiful heartfelt comment that perfectly describes what we all feel and know about Clay and how wonderful a father he is and will continue to be.  Thanks for speaking from our hearts for all of us!  Have wonderful Father’s Day Clay!  God bless. -Debbi in NS Clay Aiken is a man I truly admire and ADORE! Happy Fathers Day, Clay!  -smc That was beautifully written.   The feelings we have for Clay and the man that he is are expressed perfectly in this piece. Thank you so much for taking the time to say what we all feel.   Have a wonderful Father's day, Clay. Parker is a very lucky little boy.  -Shirley