Red Ribbon Cabaret
Location: Preston | UK
The Red Ribbon Cabaret was first conceived in Blackburn as 'Aid for AIDS' in 1992, in response to a friend of the original event organiser being diagnosed HIV positive. Tony Abbott was from Blackburn, and the trust fund that was initiated in his name was to support people living with HIV in the Blackburn area. Through the original 'Aid for AIDS' event and subsequent annual Red Ribbon Balls, over £11,000 was raised for the trust in Tonys name.
As the annual event gained reputation and momentum, the Red Ribbon Cabaret moved to Preston in 1997. The event continued to raise much needed money for a trust fund established in memory of a Preston man, Jim Bezer, who died of an AIDS related illness. Jim himself had been an HIV/AIDS activist for many years, and the memorial fund to help local people affected by HIV was felt to be a fitting tribute following his death.
