Clay Aiken Support Letter 2 Klimas 2020

May 15, 2020

Kris Klimas
621 Chatas Ct
Lake Mary, FL 32746

North Carolina Awards Committee
N. C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
4601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699

Dear North Carolina Awards Committee:

I am recommending Clay Aiken as a nominee for the North Carolina Award in the field of Fine Arts.

The first time I saw Clay Aiken was during the auditions on American Idol. I thought “Wow! What a voice! They’ll never let that geeky kid win.” He didn’t win the show, but he did win America.

I was thrilled to follow his career, playing the “Ticketmaster Tango” to attend a concert, watching him perform on TV, seeing him host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, interviewing stars on the Red Carpet at the Emmy Awards, and so many more events, but I never was able to meet him in person until 2007 during his “Christmas in the Heartland Tour.” Clay asked his fans to submit their Christmas memory stories to him. If selected, that story would be read by the fan in their city. To my amazement, my story was chosen. I was nervous, but the crew, management, and especially Clay were incredibly warm and kind. He made me and the audience feel like family.

Family and inclusion are touchstones for Clay. From his foundation which aids camps, zoos, and museums to include all children, abled and disabled, in activities; to his years as an UNICEF Ambassador for Education for All Children; Clay grew his family. Advocating for human rights, running for Congress, and currently moderating Politicon’s podcast “How the Heck are We Gonna Get Along” support his belief that all voices should be heard. That we are one family.

He sings, he acts, he writes, he advocates in North Carolina, across the United States, and across the globe. North Carolina has reason to be very proud of their native son.

Sincerely,

Kris Klimas
KrisKlimas@yahoo.com