RALEIGH, N.C. — 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.

Hundreds of "Clayniacs" converged at the mall for a glimpse of their hometown hero.

"I think that he's real awesome and we're really happy that he came because we really love him," fan Elena Jones said.

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 won a VIP suite visit for four with Aiken at the game.

Aiken will perform the national anthem prior to the game and also will sing one of his hit songs during the first intermission.

Aiken said appearances in Raleigh are special to him as well as the Bubel/Aiken Foundation he started. The foundation serves to help children with developmental disabilities to be included in all life has to offer.

"Each person has a purpose and I feel like this is one of the reasons I've been so fortunate to do this," he said.

Bill and Sheri also presented Aiken with a $10,000 check for his foundation from MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM.