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Since 1994, Telluride AIDS Benefit Has Donated Over $1.8 Million Toward HIV/AIDS Education and Advocacy

By March 7, 2013 No Comments

imagesSince its first show in 1994, the Telluride AIDS Benefit (TAB) has raised $1.8 million for both local and global initiatives for HIV/AIDS education, patients and research.

The benefit began when two Telluride locals, Kandee DeGraw and Robert Presley, combined their respective talents of comedy and fashion design to help Presley with the costs of AIDS treatment. However, the selfless Presley insisted the proceeds from the first event go to the Western Colorado AIDS project instead of directly to him. The first year, the benefit raised $12,000, and each year has donated thousands of dollars to directly support AIDS research and patients.

This year’s benefit features almost two weeks of events, with all proceeds donated directly to TAB’s beneficiaries. This year’s beneficiaries include the Ethiopian Family Fund, West Colorado AIDS Project, Manzini Youth Care, Childrens’ Hospital Immunodeficiency Program, and Brother Jeff. The beneficiaries support local and global projects to support those affected by HIV and AIDS, their families, and furthering research and education on prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS.

Telluride AIDS Benefit kicks off this week with the Sneak Peek Fashion Show on Thursday, February 28 at the Telluride Conference Center in Mountain Village. This event offers an additional opportunity to view the fashion show and donate to TAB.

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