Yesterday was the final day of Clay Aiken's ten day appeal for Afghanistan.
Congratulations! We raised $181,783.03 for the kids of Afghanistan during this ten day campaign. That's $80,000+ more than the original goal we set for this campaign!
This total includes all online gifts made online in the U.S. and Canada. We're expecting some checks to come in through the mail and will post a final total next week.
We appreciate your generous support of this appeal. Hundreds of you posted this appeal on your web sites, blogs and boards and forwarded the campaign to your friends.
My colleagues and I will continue to keep you posted on UNICEF's work in Afghanistan and around the world. We'll show you how your gifts are being put to work in the field.

Comments (22)
Congratulations, UNICEF! The Claymates can always be counted on!! Onward and upward!
Proud to be a Clayndian Claymate!!
Posted by zippy888 | April 23, 2007 5:09 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 17:09
Congratulations Unicef and thank you Clay for bringing this need to us. What an impressive total. and the wonders it will do for the children.
Posted by Jeanene | April 23, 2007 5:16 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 17:16
Thank you Chris for all the info. You guys have been really great with keeping us updated.
It has been an honour to be included in this campaign. UNICEF is one class act.
Posted by lissa | April 23, 2007 5:22 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 17:22
This is wonderful!! I am glad that Clay's appeal has been responded to in such a gratifying way. I do believe that the video's that were made available concerning his trip contributed to making people more aware of what is happening and what is needed in Afghanistan.
This is the role of an ambassador, and one that Clay Aiken was born for.
I hope to see more video and television coverage of Afghanistan- when you can see the people and children you are helping- it is easier to open your hearts and want to help. I am so pleased that we were able to respond to Clay's appeal. Thank you so much for keeping us informed
Posted by Marilyn | April 23, 2007 5:31 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 17:31
I have to say, I thought 100K in 10 days was going to take a miracle. CONGRATULATIONS! I can't wait to read the updates.
Posted by slp | April 23, 2007 5:37 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 17:37
Thank you for the wonderful news !!!!
Posted by Daniele | April 23, 2007 5:38 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 17:38
Wow, that's a great final total!!! Almost double the original goal!!!
I'm looking forward to reading Clay's fieldnotes and getting updates on how the funds are being used in Afghanistan.
Thanks for the great videos of Clay with the children and women of Afghanistan. They were very moving.
Posted by Margaret W. | April 23, 2007 5:57 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 17:57
If you gave us another week, we probably would've kept on giving :-D
I'm thrilled for great total. I officially feel as if I've got major gloating rights for having put my $50's in.
Posted by sandra | April 23, 2007 6:08 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 18:08
This is just THE BEST news!! Thank you for keeping us updated! We can't wait to hear the final total after the snail mail checks arrive!
CONGRATULATIONS UNICEF, CLAY AND THE CLAY NATION ... $180,000.00 IN 10 DAYS, just truly amazing! We will always be here for him and the causes he holds dear!
Congratulations ***especially*** to the children of Afghanistan who will benefit from this amazing show of generosity!!!!
JaneP
Proud Member of The Clay Nation
Posted by JaneP | April 23, 2007 6:19 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 18:19
"UNICEF" has a WONDERFUL AMBASSADOR in Clay Aiken. He is Admired and Respected for his caring heart for All Children in need. His trip to Afghanistan was so heartwarming, that I am not surprised in the least by the AMAZING total that was achieved in this appeal by Mr. Aiken. How truly refreshing for a talent such as he, to care so much for those who have not been as blessed as we have. Thank You Unicef, Thank You Mr. Aiken, for bringing this need of the Afghanistan children to our attention.
Respectfully, Maria
Posted by maria | April 23, 2007 6:50 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 18:50
Posted by Kati / claysbuttercup99 | April 23, 2007 7:24 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 19:24
Fantastic! We knew we could hit the $100,000 goal but to exceed it by so much is very gratifying. I just know that Clay will be thrilled.
It will be fun to hear of all the work that this fund will make possible. I can't wait to get updates - being a part of this campaign has made me more aware of the situation and so hopeful for the children of Afghanistan.
Good luck on all your future campaigns. We'll be here.
Posted by Anne | April 23, 2007 8:04 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 20:04
What an amazing man you have in Clay as one of your Ambassadors. He embodies all that's good in the world, a true giver, who reminds us of the things we should do--including the support of your wonderful organization! Clay should be part of that American Idol Gives Back campaign. It only seems natural. One of their people and one of the charities he represents. Just my opinion.
Posted by carol | April 23, 2007 8:36 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 20:36
This is totally amazing, but no surprise...Thank you Clay for using your voice to make a difference...
Posted by Marlene | April 23, 2007 8:41 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 20:41
Congratulation to UNICEF for choosing Clay Aiken as one of their ambassadors. Mr. Aiken has shown in the past his willingness to help others, and his fans support his causes.
What a great combination! I am sure this money will help many needy young Afghans.
Posted by Mina | April 23, 2007 9:20 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 21:20
Simply awesome! My hats off to UNICEF, the ClayNation and most of all to Mr. Clay Aiken...for his commendable effort! What a guy! "Congratulations everyone!"
Posted by Nati Cruz | April 23, 2007 9:35 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 21:35
It is so gratifying to contribute to UNICEF. I always know that the money will go where it is really needed. I am not surprised that Clay's fans are so generous. Clay always brings out the best in people.
Posted by Jan | April 23, 2007 10:18 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 22:18
ASTOUNDING TOTAL...YAHOO!!!!
These past ten days have been an amazing journey to the other side of the world where hope abounds!! UNICEF...be proud of your accomplishments and your humble and caring ambassador...Clay Aiken!!
I feel so comfortable knowing that I support an organization which can take even the smallest donation and make a difference to a child...or children!
Posted by Denise | April 23, 2007 10:30 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 22:30
How fortunate for UNICEF to have Clay as an ambassador. His many fans are dedicated to supporting him and his charitable endeavors; UNICEF can count on "Claymates" to come through. And we want to thank UNICEF for the good work they are doing around the globe and for helping Clay fulfill his dream of making a difference.
Posted by Jeanoma | April 23, 2007 11:38 PM
Posted on April 23, 2007 23:38
Gosh, who do I begin to thank for this???
Unicef and Clay...for bringing this cause to our attention...
The Claymates from all over the U.S. and Canada.....
All the staff at Unicef for updating us so immediately and so clearly....
Clay.....we need you to blog for us...please???
Thank you to all of the above! I am still thinking that by next week when all the checks are received and accounted for, we just may have doubled the plea to $200,000.
I am so proud to have been a part of this.
Lillian from Baltimore
Posted by Lillian Sawyer | April 24, 2007 10:45 AM
Posted on April 24, 2007 10:45
Glad to see the effort being put forth to help the children of Afghanistan. And thank you to Clay Aiken for bringing attention to the needs of these children. I am a fan of Clay Aiken and I applaud his efforts. i;m sure many people were blessed by his visit to Afghanistan.
Posted by Karin | April 24, 2007 6:21 PM
Posted on April 24, 2007 18:21
I'm glad we could assist with the Afghanistan appeal. Just wondering if a final total has been reached yet.
Celine
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
Posted by Celine T. | May 6, 2007 7:19 PM
Posted on May 6, 2007 19:19