On 12/30/03, The Bubel Aiken Foundation and the Carolina Hurricanes Kids N Community Foundation formed a partnership.  The two foundations determined earlier in the year that they could benefit each other in generating awareness about children’s needs and in lending a helping hand in the community.

Money generated from Aiken’s appearance at the Hurricanes’ game against Dallas on Dec. 22 was channeled toward Aiken’s programming development, focusing on youth with developmental disabilities specifically.

Following Sunday’s press conference, Aiken skated with 50 children with disabilities, and 50 non-disabled children in the “Skate With Clay” event, to showcase The Bubel/Aiken Foundation’s guiding philosophy of inclusion for children with developmental disabilities in activities with their non-disabled peers. Participating children received a specially designed jersey promoting The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, a donation from the Kids ‘N Community Foundation and designed by Gale Force Media. The jerseys also went on sale to the general public through Aiken’s web site and at Crabtree Valley Mall, Monday December 22, 2003.

Clay Aiken joined Bill Jordan and Sheri Logan of WRAL-FM at Crabtree Valley Mall Monday to give away tickets to Monday night's hockey game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars in Raleigh. WRAL-FM invited 101 pre-qualified listeners to join Aiken at Center Court, lower level, for an opportunity to win tickets. Two of those qualified will win a VIP suite visit for four with Aiken at the game. Bill and Sheri also presented Aiken with a $10,000 check for his Bubel/Aiken Foundation from MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM.

To mark Aiken’s performance at the Dec. 22 Hurricanes game, there were a limited number of suite tickets available via sale on eBay that included 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 was available for auction during the game at the Kids N’ Community Foundation kiosk.