There Was A Man: A Grand Ole Time

Clay Aiken took part in the "David Foster and Friends Charity Gala" which was headlined by Michael Buble. Clay sang "You Were Right There Waiting", a beautiful, poignant understated "Unchained Melody" and a raw, emotive "Without You" with David Foster accompanying Clay on piano. The other guest entertainers were Matt Gross, Babyface, George Lopez, and Olivia Newton-John.

Clay was also part of the auction activites that took place before the performances. You can read about some of the items up for auction at the Gala website Clay was an unexpected additon to the piano auction. The opening bid was $200,000, and just sat at that bid for a while. A private performance with David Foster was added and it still struggled, Clay was added and the bidding went up to $500,000. David Foster then asked the second place bidder if he would agree to a 2nd piano and concert and let his bid stand for a total of $1,000,000. Excellent!

Some of the items in the auction and their ending bids:

California wine and luggage - $17,500
West Coast salmon fishing with David
Foster - $30,000
Las Vegas Andre Agassi Grand Slam Gala plus VIP for Celine
- $16,500
AI Live as guests of David Foster - $30,000

A total of $2.9M was raised for a worthy cause.

Press Release:

David Foster and Friends Charity Gala raises $2.9 million to assist families of children in need of organ transplants

RICHMOND, BC, Sept. 10 /CNW/ -

Tonight's David Foster and Friends 2006
Charity Gala raised $2.9 million for children in need of life-saving major
organ transplants.

Joining the sold-out audience of 900 people held at the River Rock Show
Theatre in Richmond, British Columbia was Premier Gordon Campbell, who
announced a contribution from the provincial government of $250,000.
"Knowing that this night will give many children a second chance at life
is what this special evening is all about," said David Foster. "I want to
thank Premier Campbell for this recognition and generous contribution as our
Foundation marks its 20th year helping children and families."

The star-studded gala was headlined by Michael Bublé with performances by
Babyface, Clay Aiken, George Lopez and Matt Goss and a surprise performance by Olivia Newton-John.

The winner of the David Foster Star Search, 21 year-old, Ché Dorval from Vancouver also performed at tonight's Gala and sang, "If it makes you happy" by Sheryl Crow to the elite audience. Ché blew judges away and beat out 10 other finalists at the David Foster Star Search 2006 final last night. Since 1986, the Foundation has assisted 275 families with children in
need of major organ transplants by providing funding for non-medical expenses throughout the procedure from initial assessments to postoperative check-ups, including transportation, accommodation for families, rent, mortgage and liaison with agencies providing counselling, childcare and other support
services.