After receiving his bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte on Saturday, December 20, singing sensation Clay Aiken passed along a significant piece of paper himself - a check for $25,000 to help recognize volunteers who assist people with developmental disabilities.

The cause is a particularly dear one to Aiken, who received his degree in special education and has long worked with kids with special needs. In fact, to fulfill the requirements for his graduation, Aiken established a charitable foundation, the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, with the express purpose of opening doors for the developmentally disabled, as well as opening minds about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that their inclusion in mainstream life can bring.

The check was presented by Aiken to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, a 24-member, blue-ribbon council appointed by President Bush, at a press conference following Aiken's graduation. One of the Council's first initiatives is the President's Volunteer Service Awards, which are presented to those who demonstrate a sustained commitment to their community. The foundation's gift is specifically intended to provide awards to those who make a sustained commitment to serving those with developmental disabilities.

"The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation is thrilled to be collaborating with the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to provide presidential recognition to the thousands of volunteers who are joining Clay in the effort to increase awareness of the needs of young people with developmental disabilities, and opening the doors of opportunity to them," said Barbara Taylor, Executive Director of the Council, which is part of President Bush's USA Freedom Corps initiative. "We hope that others follow Clay's lead by joining in the effort to create in our nation a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility."

Aiken co-founded the foundation in July 2003 with Diane Bubel, whose son Mike has autism. Aiken worked with Mike before trying out for the "American Idol" television show, and it was Mrs. Bubel who encouraged Aiken to pursue his dream by trying out for the show and pursuing a musical career.

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation was established by an executive order of President George W. Bush to recognize and encourage volunteer service and civic participation. The 24 members of the Council include entertainers, athletes, retired elected officials, business and media leaders, leaders of nonprofit and volunteer service organizations, and community volunteers.

The President's Volunteer Service Awards are presented to people of all ages. Youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service over the past 12 months are eligible to receive the award. Individuals 15 and older must have completed 100 or more hours, while families or groups must have completed 200 or more hours of service. Lifetime achievement is recognized with a special President's Call to Service Award, which honors those who have answered the President's challenge to provide more than 4,000 hours of service over the course of their lifetime.

The President's Council and the President's Volunteer Service Awards are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. More information about the Council and the Award program is available at www.presidentialserviceawards.gov. More information about the Bubel/Aiken Foundation is available at www.thebubelaikenfoundation.org.

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