Telluride AIDS Benefit: AIDS Update, What’s Happening Where & When

08 Feb Telluride AIDS Benefit: AIDS Update, What’s Happening Where & When

Measles is the new epidemic du jour and AIDS? Oh so yesterday. Only not so much. For one thing, there is still no cure. And that is why the Telluride AIDS Benefit continues to wave its “ Fight.Fund.Educate” banner on high. TAB’s week of awareness education and fundraising to help support hundreds of individuals and families of all demographics living with HIV/AIDS starts February 19, with events through March 2. For history and details and how to watch the fashion show if you failed to score a ticket, read on….

Update: Close up on The Big Picture

The headline in the New York Times included the words “Perilous but Preventable.” Was the story about HIV/AIDS?

The words are spot on.

Oooh. Sorry. Really bad pun. But the short answer is “no.” The article was not talking about HIV/AIDS. The subject was measles – get it? spots – the new black dress of epidemics, constant fodder for TV’s Talking Heads, print and social media. And yes, measles is at least a lower-case epidemic, with about 20 million cases a year worldwide and close to 150,000 deaths in 2013 alone.

Why all the sound and fury? Because measles, declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, (which simply means the infection no longer originates on our soil), is now spreading at a rate that worries officials, with well over 100 cases so far this year. Because Colorado has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, the Telluride Medical Center recently put out alert urging parents to get with the program.

And HIV/AIDS? Well, the once buzzy disease rarely makes national headlines. We saw no red ribbons attached to the fabulous gowns and tuxes at the Golden Globes or SAG Awards. Once trendy, AIDS Rides have been run off the road for years now. And World AIDS Day? That tends to pass with a yawn. Yet after about 32 years since “the virus” was first announced in France, there is still no silver bullet: a vaccine to thwart HIV remains a Holy Grail.

The virus still has a foothold in more than 150 countries on six continents and infection rate in the U.S. alone over the past 10 years remains unchanged, about 55,000 new incidents per year. Currently, 1.2 million people in this country alone are living with HIV and almost 1 in 7 (14%) are unaware of their infection. Closer to home, about 150 new cases are diagnosed in Colorado each year.

In our backyard?

According to Kristy Watkins, RN MPH, program coordinator for TAB’s newest beneficiary, the University of Colorado Hospital Foundation, that answer is “yes.”

“Surveillance data collected by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment revealed 80 newly diagnosed individuals in Western Colorado between 2008-2013. We highly recommend that everyone between the ages of 15-65 be tested at least once and annually for those with higher risk behaviors. Early diagnosis and treatment prevents a person from reaching a full-on AIDS diagnosis and the transmission risk is greatly reduced once a person is on treatment.”

The folklore about AIDS being “gay” disease, a myth promoted by fire-and-brimstone preachers in the mid-1980s, has long since been debunked – but for the record, the Western Colorado AIDS Project, TAB’s original and primary beneficiary, offers up a few cautionary tales from their case records:

A 58-year-old grandmother, with only one sexual partner in her lifetime, became ill while driving cross-country. She drove to a truck stop to find something to eat and drink, hoping sustenance would make her feel better. She appeared disoriented and ill, so the manager of the store called an ambulance. The woman woke up in intensive care. A test determined she had AIDS. Her only presumed risk was a blood transfusion she had had several years earlier.

A 16-year-old heterosexual boy with a history of only a couple of girlfriends was taken by his mom to a local clinic with cold and flu symptoms. He was sent home with instructions to increase fluids and rest. One week later, he was still ill with swollen glands in his neck. The symptoms continued for two more weeks at which point the boy returned to the doctor. After several tests that turned up nothing, the physician decided to test for HIV, despite the fact the young man did not fit the profile. His only presumed risk was unprotected heterosexual contact.The boy tested positive for HIV.

This year, author, HIV/AIDS activist Paige Rawl is in town to talk to students in the Middle School/High School. The beautiful young white woman from the state of Indiana was born HIV-positive – and was bullied unmercifully because of her condition. (For more, see below in Schedule.)

The good news is that the mortality rate for those living with HIV/AIDS has gone down. According to the Centers for Disease Control:

“There’s new hope today for stopping HIV in the U.S. Medicines (antiretroviral therapy or ART) can lower the level of virus in the body. ART helps people with HIV live longer, healthier lives and also lowers the chances of passing HIV on to others. However, only 28% are getting the care they need to manage the disease and keep the virus under control. To help stop HIV, get tested.”

Yes, get tested on TAB’s tab. (See below in Schedule for details.) The virus remains totally preventable with education and safe-sex practices – but cost of care for a person living with HIV is about $3500 per month or $42,000 per year, sobering numbers.

And while we are on the subject of prevention, two years ago, one of TAB’s models, a man named Michael, told writer Suzanne Cheavens a story I happened to read in the 2013 fashion show program. Michael contracted the virus while living in Telluride as a recently “out” gay man. The condom he should have used in a moment of heat was “on the dresser three feet away.”

Michael’s advice to sexually active people?

“Wear a condom. So many are ‘closeted,’ which is a dark underground. Don’t expect who you have sex with to be completely honest. They may not even know themselves. This goes for both hetero and gay. When you protect yourself, you protect others. In my experience, HIV/AIDS is such a delicate disease; the proper environment is needed. It’s so simple to just wear protection. I wish I understood that back then.”

In 2010, President Obama launched the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. The “Strategy” was structured around three core goals: reducing new HIV infections, increasing access to care and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV, and reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities.

Clearly, the Telluride AIDS Benefit, with its mission to “Fight.Fund.Educate.” has long operated way ahead of the curve – and very successfully on behalf of a growing list of beneficiaries.

A brief history of TAB, the little engine that could:

With a swiftness that imitates the spread of the disease itself, AIDS became enmeshed in the fabric of our society. As people watched friends and family members cut down in the prime of their lives, many tried to make sense of the scourge by channeling their pain into ways to help. A small group of locals led by Kandee DeGraw founded the Telluride AIDS Benefit in 1993 because they wanted to help a friend defray his costly medical expenses.

That friend was Robert Presley, a one-of-a-kind, a kooky creative genius and local enfant terrible. Fabrics were his canvas. He dyed, slashed and frayed them into submission, turning  improbable materials into provocative designs. Robert died from complications due to HIV/AIDS in August 1997, having walked the runway only months earlier at TAB’s fabulous fashion show decked out in lime green and wearing a sash that read “Miss AIDs.”

In its first year, the nascent non-profit netted about $12,000. At Robert’s request, the money went directly to the Western Colorado AIDS Project (WestCAP), a community-based referral and educational providers which assists HIV-infected individuals and families across 25 counties in Western Colorado.

Now in its 22nd year, TAB has a disbursed a grand total of just over $2.1 million – $1 million to WestCAP alone – to caregivers and educators from the Western Slope and Front Range in Colorado all the way to Africa.

WestCAP remains TAB’s primary beneficiary. Another at the top of a short list is the Children’s Hospital HIV Program (CHIP) in Denver, a clinic within a hospital dedicated to providing children with the HIV infection with family-centered, state-of-the art care. (Denver is one of the Top 10 children’s hospitals in the country.)

But the list of beneficiaries has swelled to include the Ethiopian Family Fund, Manzini Youth Care, Ubuntu Africa, Brother Jeff’s Community Health Initiative, and the latest, aforementioned, University of Colorado Hospital Fund.

How has TAB managed to keep on keeping on despite economic swings that have challenged other nonprofits over the years?

In part the answer is Telluride: we are a tiny community with a big (bleeding) heart.

The rest of the answer is tops down effectiveness and efficiency.

TAB has had a succession of inspired and inspiring leaders starting with its Grand Potentate (or Grand Vizier as he is also known), Ron Gilmer, Robert Presley’s former partner.

Kandee, was TAB’s first executive director. She was followed by other super capable and motivated individuals including Greg Craig and Ellen Geldbaugh, who worked as a team, Amy Kimberly, Betsy Adler, Lynne Domingos, Stash Wislocki, and now Michelle Maugham.

Educator Sandy McLaughlin has spearheaded TAB’s education initiatives in Telluride’s schools since the 1990s.

Baerbel Hacke. director, Telluride Gallery of Fine Art, has tirelessly put together TAB’s art auction since 1998.

Schedule of Events, TAB 2015:

Student Fashion Show @ The Palm, Thursday Feb. 19, 6 p.m. Tickets $15 at the door, general admission; $10 for students and small children.

Sneak Peak (Adult) Fashion Show @ the Telluride Mountain Village Conference Center, Thursday Feb. 26, 8 p.m.

HIV/AIDS Education/Healthy Decisions Day @ the Palm, Friday, Feb. 27, starting at 8:30.

Paige Rawl

The opening program is for students in grades 7-12. The program includes the Student Peer Education Team, comprised of this year’s TAB student fashion show models and crew, presenting their short educational film.

“This year’s keynote speaker is Paige Rawl,” explained Sandy McLaughlin. “Paige is a 20-year-old college student born with HIV. Although she was diagnosed when she was three and began a medical regimen at that time, her mother revealed her status only when Paige was about to enter middle school. Her keynote will cover the basics of how HIV is transmitted, the difficulty and ensuing bullying she received due to her status, and how she has overcome these obstacles. Paige wrote a bestselling book, ‘Positive,’ about her life, and travels the US speaking to students about HIV/AIDS and bullying.”

The remainder of the day, students in grades 9-12 will be grouped according to grade level and move through four different presentations led by some of TAB’s beneficiaries. The sessions will include: same-gender education class, with boys in one room and girls in another; an interactive Jeopardy-format game about healthy decisions; a presentation by Whitney Johnson of Ubuntu, South Africa, and her work with children affected by HIV/AIDS there and around the world; Brother Jeff of Brother Jeff’s Health Initiative, Denver, will discuss how and why we make the decisions we do that impact our health.

Brother Jeff of Brother Jeff’s Community Initiative

VIP tables (in the wings on either side of main floor seating) are available for the Student Fashion Show, ADVANCE PURCHASE ONLY by contacting Sandy directly by voice or text @ 970-519-0081.

VIP Tables are $125 and accommodate up to four people. Beverages and snacks are included, plus unobstructed views of the stage.

Only eight tables are available, four on each side. (Cash or check only.)

Orchestra pit seating: Sit on either side of the runway for a really close view. Great for photography. Cost is $25/seat. Must be purchased IN ADVANCE only, via Sandy, 970-519-0081. (Cash or check only.)

General admission seats night of the show: Purchase in the Palm lobby, $15 for adults; $10 students/children.

Please note: the Palm is NOT handling ticket sales. Please do NOT call with questions.

Any questions, call Sandy @ 970-519-0081.

Art Auction @ the Sheridan Opera House, Friday Feb. 27, noon – 10 p.m. Free to the public. Reception and cash bar begin at 6 p.m.

Gala Fashion Show @ the Telluride Mountain Village Conference Center, Saturday Feb. 28, 8 p.m.

Note: For those who couldn’t get their hands on those sought-after Telluride AIDS Benefit Gala Fashion Show tickets, there is yet another opportunity to watch the show. The Town of Mountain Village will air the Gala live – on Mountain Village Cable Channel 15 and online at townofmountainvillage.com/video – Saturday, February 28, 8 p.m

“With the Telluride TV production team in place, I am pleased Mountain Village can offer this to the community – and the online world,” said Community Relations Manager Nichole Zangara Riley. “Year after year and from coast-to-coast, TAB fans are hosting viewing parties in their living rooms: the models, who put hundreds of hours of their time in to the show, had friends and family members watching;  past and present TAB supporters and beneficiaries were online; full- and part-time community members who weren’t in town or couldn’t purchase tickets to this sold-out show had a front-row seat nonetheless; and the fashion designers who donated clothing for this special event were able to see their designs on the runway. To extend this special event beyond the walls of the Conference Center is our pleasure.”

Trunk show @ Dolce, 224 East Colorado, featuring Ready-to-Wear, accessories, etc. Sunday, March 1, 4 – 6:30 p.m.

Designer Sample Sale @ the Sheridan Opera House, Monday March 2,10 a.m. – 6 p.m. All designer clothing donated to TAB and not sold in the live auction will be for sale to the public at great discounts.

FREE HIV Testing is available year round at the Telluride Medical Center by appointment. This service is paid for by TAB. On Saturday Feb. 28, the Medical Center is offering rapid HIV testing all day without an appointment.

About TAB’s new executive director, Michelle Maughan:

Michelle Maughan, TAB’s new executive director

Long-time Telluride local Michelle Maughan spent the past five years with the Telluride-based film production company Reel Thing, primarily in the role of producer for the films Bag It and Uranium Drive-In. Building on her experience as a documentary filmmaker, Michelle is excited to take on a new role where the focus is educational. At Reel Thing, she worked on all aspects of production, fundraising, marketing, educational platforms, and development of outreach and engagement campaigns for both films. Much of her time at Reel Thing was also spent creating partnerships with grantors, funders, and organizations with similar missions.

Aided by Stash for this year’s big event, Michelle has taken the helm at TAB, where she reports to the board of directors and is responsible for managing TAB’s individual and corporate fundraising, strategic and operational planning; developing and implementing the organization’s local initiatives. Michelle also serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization and is responsible for communicating the organization’s mission to the community, attendees, and all beneficiaries of TAB.

Prior to becoming ED, Michelle spent 10 years volunteering for TAB in the roles of Trunk Show/Sample Sale Manager, model, and event usher. She has a strong personal connection to the organization.

“I have very fond memories of the first AIDS Benefit I attended at the Scott Art Factory the year I moved here (directed by Daiva Chesonis). I remember Ron Gilmer opening the show with a moving personal commentary about living with AIDS and the tremendous importance of donating to TAB. The organization does so much to support people living with AIDS in Colorado and far beyond. Ron’s story and dedication to the work of TAB has kept me involved with the organization all of these years.”

According to Ana Coe, president of the board,

“We are thrilled to have Michelle on board and are confident in her abilities to continue to increase AIDS education and fundraising efforts. We are looking forward to an exciting event this year and plan to increase awareness and fundraising.”

“It is a great honor to work with such an amazing organization whose mission is to fight HIV/AIDS and generate financial support for client care and education,” Michelle added. “I hope this year’s benefit will be a great success and that as a community we will continue to make Robert Presley proud.”

When she is not working for TAB, Michelle works with Reel Thing, right now on their next film project about sex tourism in the Dominican Republic.