Telluride Aids Benefit, Inc.

What Telluride Aids Benefit, Inc. does

Telluride AIDS Benefit, Inc. (TAB) is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1994 that raises funds and awareness for HIV prevention, education, testing, client care, and sexual wellness through its signature annual Fashion Week events. The organization operates a single integrated program anchored on the Gala Fashion Show — a Broadway-caliber production featuring professional choreography, volunteer models, and runway presentations historically performed to over 600 seat holders — supplemented by Sneak Peek, Patron Party, Dress Rehearsal, Fashion After Dark Dance Party, and a Sample Sale. Complementary programs include the Student Fashion Show (record 110+ participants in 2025), Student HIV Awareness Project reaching 1,078+ regional students annually, the Wearable Art program, and the Runway to Legacy Capital Campaign.

The organization's business model is event-driven fundraising: donations pass through a six-tier giving structure ranging from Streetwear (under $99) to Fashion Icon ($20,000+), supplemented by event ticket sales (e.g., $45 for Fashion After Dark), fashion merchandise sponsorships from designers and brands, and proceeds from the Sample Sale and Wearable Art exhibit. Over 150 volunteers, an ~12-person staff, and a Board of Directors chaired by Cynthia Sommers execute the operating model. TAB has disbursed over $3 million since inception to frontline HIV/AIDS organizations across Colorado, Ethiopia, and Eswatini, including long-standing partners such as Colorado Health Network (since 1994), Children's Hospital Colorado Immunodeficiency Program (since 1994), and Manzini Youth Care in Eswatini.

In 2025, TAB appointed Laya Barak as Executive Director, expanded its mission to include broader sexual wellness targets, received the Prism Award from One Colorado, and launched a $1 million Capital Campaign to secure permanent headquarters. The organization's technology footprint is limited to a Squarespace website and standard digital marketing channels; its competitive advantage stems from 30+ years of community trust, Broadway-caliber creative talent, and an interconnected ecosystem of fashion industry partners, corporate sponsors, and healthcare beneficiaries.

Name

Telluride Aids Benefit, Inc.

Legal name

Telluride AIDS Benefit

Website

https://tellurideaidsbenefit.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Telluride AIDS Benefit, Inc. is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has raised over $3 million since 1994 through annual Broadway-caliber Fashion Week events to fund HIV prevention, education, testing, client care, and sexual wellness programs across Colorado, Ethiopia, and Eswatini.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

HIV/AIDS Nonprofit Fundraising Events

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Consumer & Public Shows (B2C) Organizers (THAHABAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cause Marketing & Co-Promotions (BPAFAMAK), Party Favors, Gifts & Custom Merchandise (HSACACAM)

Keywords

• HIV/AIDS fundraising events
• Charity fashion shows
• Nonprofit HIV education
• Sexual health awareness
• Community benefit productions

Headquarters

HQ city

Telluride

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: TAB raises funds through structured donation tiers (Fashion Icon $20,000+, Haute Couture $10,000-$19,999, Avant-Garde $5,000-$9,999, Prêt-à-Porter $2,000-$4,999, Black Tie $100-$1,999, Streetwear up to $99). The organization also accepts general fund and capital campaign donations. All donations are tax-deductible as TAB is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
2. Fashion Show Ticket Sales: TAB generates revenue through ticket sales for the annual Gala Fashion Show (February), Fashion Week events including Sneak Peek, Patron Party, Dress Rehearsal, and related events like the Fashion After Dark Dance Party ($45/ticket). Ticket purchases are non-refundable and treated as donations to the nonprofit.
3. Fashion Merchandise Sales: The annual Sample Sale event allows attendees to purchase runway fashion after shows. Additionally, Wearable Art creations are exhibited and for sale at AhHaa School for the Arts during March.
4. Fashion Merchandise Sponsorship: Fashion designers and brands donate merchandise at three tiers (Full Line, Partial Line, or individual items/accessories) in exchange for recognition benefits including tickets, logo placement, and social media promotion.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Telluride AIDS Benefit (TAB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces an annual Fashion Week—centered on a Broadway-quality Gala Fashion Show—to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, education, client care, and sexual wellness. The organization secures donations, fashion sponsorships, and ticket sales, and distributes proceeds to partner beneficiaries in Colorado, Ethiopia, and Eswatini, while also running youth education and wearable art programs.

Product overview

Telluride AIDS Benefit (TAB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating as a single unified program centered around its annual Fashion Week events. The core offering is the Gala Fashion Show—a professional runway production featuring volunteer models and Broadway-caliber choreography—alongside complementary programs including the Student Fashion Show, Student HIV Awareness Project, and Wearable Art Program. The organization generates funds through Fashion Sponsorship, donation tiers, and its Capital Campaign for a permanent headquarters. TAB's portfolio consists of nine interconnected products: the Annual Gala Fashion Show as the flagship event, Fashion Week Events as the umbrella production, Student Fashion Show for youth engagement, Student HIV Awareness Project for education, Wearable Art Program for artist participation, Fashion After Dark Dance Party for social events, Fashion Sponsorship Program for designer partnerships, Levels of Giving/Donations for contributions, and the Capital Campaign for infrastructure funding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TAB Student Fashion Show: Annual student fashion show program that empowers high school students through leadership, creativity, and HIV/AIDS education awareness.
• Wearable Art
• Runway to Legacy Capital Campaign

Products and services

• Annual Gala Fashion Show The signature annual fundraising fashion show featuring professional choreography, volunteer models, and Broadway-caliber runway presentations; the flagship event that has run since 1995 raising funds for HIV prevention, testing, education, and sexual wellness.
• Fashion Week Events A week-long series of events including the Gala Fashion Show, Sneak Peek, Sample Sale, Fashion After Dark Dance Party, Patron Party, and Dress Rehearsal that engages attendees across multiple ticket-based and free programming touchpoints.
• Student Fashion Show A dynamic platform driven by high school seniors that runs through a 10-week production journey challenging students to develop leadership, creativity, and HIV/AIDS awareness, with funds raised supporting TAB's mission.
• Student HIV Awareness Project An educational initiative that empowers high school students with knowledge, experience, and resources about HIV, significantly reducing stigma surrounding the disease and recognized nationally for innovative youth HIV education.
• Wearable Art Program A 30-year TAB tradition where artists create unique artwork to be worn and displayed in the fashion show, with Wearable Art creations exhibited and for sale at AhHaa School for the Arts during March after the show.
• Fashion After Dark Dance Party Annual $45-ticket dance party held at the Sheridan Opera House featuring go-go dancers, laser designs by Pivotal Effects, and entertainment tied to TAB Fashion Week.
• Fashion Sponsorship Program Tiered sponsorship program for fashion designers and brands to participate in the fashion show at three levels—Full Line (featured for one song), Partial Line (shared stage), and individual items/accessories—in exchange for tickets, promotional benefits, and tax donation letters.
• Levels of Giving / Donation Program Structured donation tiers (Fashion Icon $20,000+, Haute Couture $10,000–$19,999, Avant-Garde $5,000–$9,999, Prêt-à-Porter $2,000–$4,999, Black Tie $100–$1,999, Streetwear under $99) with corresponding donor benefits, plus one-time and recurring gift options.
• Runway to Legacy Capital Campaign A $1 million capital campaign to secure a permanent headquarters at 126 West Colorado Ave Suite 207 in Telluride and expand existing programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• TAB has disbursed over $3 million since its inception to fight HIV and AIDS in Colorado and beyond
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Red Ribbon Project of Eagle CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Red Ribbon Project promotes healthier lives by empowering the community to reduce teen pregnancy, HIV and AIDS and other STIs through testing, education and youth training sessions. Located at 37347 Highway 6 # 202, Avon, CO 81620. TAB Partner Since 2017.
• Colorado Health Network (CHN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerColorado Health Network innovatively and equitably meets the evolving needs of individuals in Colorado living with and at risk of acquiring HIV by providing a broad spectrum of support services. Locations in Grand Junction and Denver. TAB Partner Since 1994.
• Children's Hospital Colorado Immunodeficiency Program (CHIP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHIP offers research and prevention programs that improve the health and quality of life for children, youth, young adults, and pregnant women living with HIV. Located at Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora. TAB Partner Since 1994.
• Moab Free Health CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Moab Free Health Clinic offers confidential HIV and STI testing and related client services for those living with HIV or AIDS. Located in Moab, Utah. TAB Partner Since 2014.
• St. Mary's Hospital Collaborative CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSt. Mary's provides the latest in primary care, specializing in clients living with HIV and AIDS on Colorado's Western Slope. Located at 2698 Patterson Rd, Grand Junction. TAB Partner Since 2013.
• Ethiopian Family Fund (EFF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFF is a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of Ethiopian women living with HIV through educational opportunities, skills training, financial backing and access to healthcare, while respecting their cultural integrity. Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. TAB Partner Since 2008.
• Brother Jeff Health InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrother Jeff's Community Health Initiative's mission is to reduce the disproportionate HIV and AIDS rate among African Americans and to enhance the quality of life for African Americans living with HIV and AIDS. Located at 2836 Welton St, Denver. TAB Partner Since 2004.
• The House (Karis Inc.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe House outreach program for homeless teens offers HIV prevention education, crisis assessment, case management, therapy, housing planning, and employment. Located at 362 Main St, Grand Junction. TAB Partner Since 2019.
• Manzini Youth Care (MYC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMYC provides education and social development programs to support impoverished youth and their families living with HIV, other health challenges and general hardships. Located in Manzini, Eswatini (Swaziland). TAB Partner Since 1994 (self-sustaining as of 2019).
• Alpine BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a sponsor among the extensive list of corporate sponsors supporting TAB's annual Fashion Week events and mission.
• Gilead Sciences, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPharmaceutical company listed as a sponsor supporting TAB's HIV/AIDS mission and Fashion Week events.
• MAC CosmeticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor beauty brand listed as a Red Level Sponsor contributing to TAB Fashion Week events.
• Tito's VodkaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpirits brand listed as a Red Level Sponsor contributing to TAB Fashion Week events.
• Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Broadway industry foundation providing support for TAB through special events CCAASE funding. TAB's Executive Director previously served as Director of Broadway Bares for this organization (2018-2023).
• Ah Haa School for the ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal arts school serves as venue for Wearable Art exhibit during March and is located adjacent to TAB's headquarters. TAB's current office space faces AhHaa School for the Arts.
• Various Fashion Designers and BoutiquescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTAB partners with a diverse blend of artisans, boutiques and world-renowned designers including Citizens of Humanity, Fox + Stag, Heritage, Overland, Scarpe, Society, Telluride Sports, and many others who donate fashion merchandise for the annual show.
• Together TakeMeHomeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree Online Order HIV Self-Tests partnership providing at-home HIV testing options as part of TAB's testing initiative network.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AID Atlanta: Atlanta-based HIV/AIDS service nonprofit funded partly through benefit galas including the Atlanta Cotillion, founded by TAB board member Doug Ford. Operates the same intersection of fashion/galas, HIV/AIDS services, and corporate sponsorship.
• Project Open Hand: San Francisco-based HIV/AIDS nutrition and meal service organization with roots in the AIDS crisis era — directly aligned with TAB's earliest beneficiary network. Advisory board member Ron Gilmer previously served as kitchen manager at Project Open Hand, indicating direct organizational ties.
• DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS): National nonprofit mobilizing the design and fashion industry to raise funds for HIV/AIDS organizations — directly analogous to TAB's fashion-industry-driven HIV/AIDS benefit model, but operating at national scale with multiple chapters.
• Housing Works: NYC-based HIV/AIDS nonprofit that combines direct services, advocacy, and high-profile benefit events including BookFair and Design on a Dime. Mirrors TAB's blend of cause + retail/fashion + fundraising events.
• Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS: Theatre-industry HIV/AIDS fundraising organization and a current TAB strategic partner. Comparable fundraising-meets-entertainment model — Broadway Cares produces Broadway Bares and other benefit events — and has overlapping leadership lineage with TAB's current Executive Director.

Broad incumbents

• San Francisco AIDS Foundation: Long-established HIV/AIDS prevention and care organization with benefit galas (e.g., San Francisco AIDS Walk). Comparable mission and beneficiary profile to TAB, with overlapping West Coast sponsorship pool.
• amfAR (Foundation for AIDS Research): The largest U.S.-based HIV/AIDS research foundation, raising hundreds of millions via galas, fashion partnerships, and celebrity-driven events. Represents the scaled, national version of the category TAB occupies, though amfAR focuses on research rather than direct services.
• GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis): One of the oldest U.S. HIV/AIDS service organizations, combining direct client services, advocacy, and benefit-driven fundraising. Sits in the same cause category as TAB but operates at city-wide scale in New York with a much larger budget.

Regional players

• Cascade AIDS Project: Pacific Northwest HIV/AIDS services and advocacy nonprofit operating in Oregon and SW Washington. Similar mission scope to TAB's beneficiary partners (testing, education, client services) and uses community events for fundraising.
• Desert AIDS Project (DAP): HIV/AIDS service and fundraising organization serving California's Coachella Valley, known for large-scale benefit events (Dining Out for Life, Revivals stores). Comparable regional fundraising-event model to TAB.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/tab

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Telluride Aids Benefit, Inc.