Ladies Room Red Dress Run

About the event

The World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk is the signature fundraiser and awareness event of The Ladies Room SC, designed to unite the Upstate in a bold display of love, remembrance, and resilience. Held annually in honor of World AIDS Day, this event brings together community members, advocates, healthcare partners, and allies to: Honor the lives lost to HIV/AIDS Celebrate those living and thriving with HIV Reignite our collective commitment to ending the epidemic Participants of all genders are invited to show up in red dresses or bold red attire as a visible act of solidarity and resistance. The color red not only honors the legacy of the red ribbon—it symbolizes passion, action, and courage in the face of stigma and silence. This isn’t just a run or walk—it’s a joyful protest, a moving memorial, and a community celebration rolled into one. Whether you're running in heels or walking with your crew, you're making a statement: that HIV is not over, and our community is not invisible. Join us for a day filled with purpose, performances, music, awards, and unity—because together, we rise in red.

Dates

Nov 16, 2025 · 9:00 AM - Nov 16, 2025 · 2:00 PM(GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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Location

South Carolina, United States

840 Mauldin Rd, Greenville, South Carolina 29607-4801, United States

Directions

Parking instructions

Parking is provided at the park and will be outlined on the day of the experience.

Health & safety

The health and safety of our community is a top priority. We encourage all attendees to: Stay home if feeling unwell Dress appropriately for outdoor physical activity Hydrate frequently—water stations will be available Wear red attire that allows for safe movement Respect others’ space and comfort levels HIV/STI take home testing, wellness resources, and healthcare navigation support will be available onsite. Our team is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and affirming space for all participants.

Event highlights

The Ladies Room SC

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About The Ladies Room SC

The Ladies Room SC is the first and only trans-led nonprofit in Upstate South Carolina, committed to improving health equity, wellness, and dignity for transgender and nonbinary people of color across the Upstate and beyond. Founded by community, for community, we provide trauma-informed care navigation, leadership development, and holistic support services that prioritize those too often left out of traditional systems.

Our Positive Change program is a cornerstone of that work—offering tailored support for newly diagnosed trans and nonbinary individuals living with HIV, led by survivors and medical professionals with lived experience. Through weekly peer-led groups, one-on-one coaching, and health empowerment sessions, we help participants build tools for healing, resilience, and long-term wellness.

From HIV prevention and name-change navigation to emergency housing, job readiness, and culturally rooted support circles, The Ladies Room SC stands as a hub for empowerment and visibility. Our programs are powered by lived experience, radical love, and a belief that thriving should never be a luxury.

We are unapologetically trans-led, , and community-built — and we’re just getting started.

Tori Cooper

Keynote Speaker: Tori Cooper

Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative, Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

Tori Cooper is a nationally recognized health and equity advocate, community leader, and champion for transgender justice. As the Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative at the Human Rights Campaign, Tori brings decades of experience in HIV advocacy, public health, and trans empowerment.

In 2021, she made history as the first Black transgender woman appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA), where she continues to use her voice to influence national policy and uplift communities disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic.

A Georgia native and fierce advocate for Black and Brown trans communities, Tori’s work bridges activism and access. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, lived experience, and a relentless commitment to making healthcare and safety a right—not a privilege—for every trans and nonbinary person.

We are honored to welcome Tori to South Carolina as our inaugural World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk Keynote Speaker, where she will inspire us to remember the past, activate the present, and boldly imagine a future free from stigma, inequity, and silence.

Doug McCormick,

Doug McCormick, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC

Former Medical Director, Aid Upstate | Infectious Disease & Oncology Advanced Practice Nurse

Doug McCormick is a highly respected and recently retired advanced practice nurse who has dedicated his career to providing holistic, person-centered care to at-risk and underserved communities. With specialized expertise in infectious diseases and oncology survivorship, Doug has served as a compassionate, trusted provider throughout the Upstate of South Carolina—most notably as the longtime Medical Director at Aid Upstate.

With a deep commitment to health equity and patient empowerment, Doug is known for his ability to demystify complex medical topics, helping individuals make informed decisions about their care. His work consistently centers empathy, clarity, and partnership—transforming clinical encounters into opportunities for healing and understanding.

A skilled communicator and systems thinker, Doug’s impact extends beyond individual patients. He has helped shape programs and clinical protocols that improve health outcomes across entire communities. Even in retirement, his passion for wellness continues—both professionally and personally. Doug is a certified RRCA running coach and an avid ultramarathoner currently training for his second trail ultra, modeling the very wellness practices he promotes.

We are honored to welcome Doug McCormick as a featured speaker at this year’s World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk, where he will share reflections on the current state of HIV in our communities and the continued need for compassion, awareness, and action.

Vaugh Newman

Artistic Director, Vaughn Newman Dance | Lyrical Dance Performance

Vaughn Newman is a visionary choreographer, educator, and founder of Vaughn Newman Dance, a dynamic dance company known for its emotionally resonant and socially conscious performances. With a lifelong commitment to movement as a medium for storytelling, healing, and advocacy, Vaughn uses dance to confront injustice, express resilience, and connect communities through shared experience.

A master of lyrical and contemporary styles, Vaughn’s choreography blends technical excellence with raw emotion—inviting audiences to feel, reflect, and respond. His work has been featured across stages in the Southeast and beyond, often centering themes of identity, liberation, and the lived experiences of marginalized people.

At this year’s World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk, Vaughn will offer a powerful lyrical dance piece in remembrance and celebration—honoring lives lost, uplifting those living with HIV, and embodying the movement toward equity and visibility. His performance is not just art—it’s activism, and we are proud to welcome his voice to the stage.

Artists, vendors & exhibitors applications

Interested in applying:

1 active application

Vendors

Deadline: Nov 14, 2025

Apply now

The Ladies Room SC, is honored to host the World AIDS Day 2025, Red Dress Run/Walk at Conestee Park in Greenville, SC. This signature event will bring our community together to honor lives lost, uplift people living with HIV, and reignite the long-overdue conversation around HIV in the Upstate.

We are excited to invite you to participate as a vendor at this impactful event.

Your presence not only helps us create a vibrant and engaging community space, but also provides you with a platform to connect directly with attendees and showcase your work, products, or services.

Vendor Details

• Fee:

$50: Nonprofit Organizations

$100: For Profit Businesses, Individuals,and other Vendors

Fee Includes:

Vendor booth/tent space at Conestee Park (10x10 tents only)

Inclusion at our Central Information Station, where your flyers or materials will be highlighted for all attendees

Recognition as a community supporter of World AIDS Day 2025

Set-Up Time:

Vendors may arrive beginning at 7:30 AM

All vendors must be fully set up by 8:45 AM, as the event officially begins at 9:00 AM

Event Schedule Highlights:

9:00 AM – Opening remarks & kickoff

Keynote by Tori Cooper (Senior Director at HRC; former member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS)

Awards ceremony (Best Dressed in Red, Best Dressed Pet, Largest Team and Indiviual Donations , and more)

Community walk/run, live entertainment, food trucks, and AIDS Ribbon Wall

Community Partners & Collaborators

AIDS Ribbon Wall

Red Balloon Release

This event is made possible through partnerships with The Ladies Room SC, and other local organizations, along with strong support from National Leaders in HIV advocacy. Together, we are committed to bringing visibility, equity, and compassion back into the HIV conversation.

Sponsors

Interested in applying:

6 active applications

Presenting Sponsor – $5,000

Deadline: Nov 16, 2025

Apply now

Thank you for your interest in supporting the World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk, The Ladies Room SC’s signature fundraiser and awareness event. Your sponsorship not only helps make this event possible—it fuels life-changing services for trans and nonbinary people of color across the Upstate and beyond. This year's event hopes to bring together hundreds of participants, community leaders, healthcare providers, and local organizations in a bold show of solidarity, remembrance, and advocacy. Sponsors will receive recognition through digital and print materials, signage at the event, and ongoing mentions through our media and outreach campaigns. Each level comes with unique visibility opportunities, tabling options, and brand placement. Full sponsorship details will be emailed upon registration or can be requested by contacting us directly.

Gold Sponsor – $2,500

Deadline: Nov 16, 2025

Apply now

Thank you for your interest in supporting the World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk, The Ladies Room SC’s signature fundraiser and awareness event. Your sponsorship not only helps make this event possible—it fuels life-changing services for trans and nonbinary people of color across the Upstate and beyond. This year's event hopes to bring together hundreds of participants, community leaders, healthcare providers, and local organizations in a bold show of solidarity, remembrance, and advocacy. Sponsors will receive recognition through digital and print materials, signage at the event, and ongoing mentions through our media and outreach campaigns. Each level comes with unique visibility opportunities, tabling options, and brand placement. Full sponsorship details will be emailed upon registration or can be requested by contacting us directly.

Silver Sponsor – $1,000

Deadline: Nov 16, 2025

Apply now

Thank you for your interest in supporting the World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk, The Ladies Room SC’s signature fundraiser and awareness event. Your sponsorship not only helps make this event possible—it fuels life-changing services for trans and nonbinary people of color across the Upstate and beyond. This year's event hopes to bring together hundreds of participants, community leaders, healthcare providers, and local organizations in a bold show of solidarity, remembrance, and advocacy. Sponsors will receive recognition through digital and print materials, signage at the event, and ongoing mentions through our media and outreach campaigns. Each level comes with unique visibility opportunities, tabling options, and brand placement. Full sponsorship details will be emailed upon registration or can be requested by contacting us directly. We deeply value your partnership and look forward to working together to make an unforgettable impact on World AIDS Day.

Community Champion – $500

Deadline: Nov 16, 2025

Apply now

Thank you for your interest in supporting the World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk, The Ladies Room SC’s signature fundraiser and awareness event. Your sponsorship not only helps make this event possible—it fuels life-changing services for trans and nonbinary people of color across the Upstate and beyond. This year's event hopes to bring together hundreds of participants, community leaders, healthcare providers, and local organizations in a bold show of solidarity, remembrance, and advocacy. Sponsors will receive recognition through digital and print materials, signage at the event, and ongoing mentions through our media and outreach campaigns.

Supporter – $300

Deadline: Nov 16, 2025

Apply now

Thank you for your interest in supporting the World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk, The Ladies Room SC’s signature fundraiser and awareness event. Your sponsorship not only helps make this event possible—it fuels life-changing services for trans and nonbinary people of color across the Upstate and beyond. This year's event hopes to bring together hundreds of participants, community leaders, healthcare providers, and local organizations in a bold show of solidarity, remembrance, and advocacy. Sponsors will receive recognition through digital and print materials, signage at the event, and ongoing mentions through our media and outreach campaigns.

Participant Registration

Deadline: Nov 16, 2025

Apply now

Thank you for your interest in supporting the World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk, The Ladies Room SC’s signature fundraiser and awareness event. Your sponsorship not only helps make this event possible—it fuels life-changing services for trans and nonbinary people of color across the Upstate and beyond.

Meet our Sponsors!

Volunteers

Interested in applying:

6 active applications

Pre-Event Setup Team

Deadline: Nov 15, 2025

Apply now

Pre-Event Setup Lead – 1 volunteer – Oversees entire setup process, communicates with vendors, coordinates with park staff. Signage & Banner Crew – 4 volunteers – Places directional signs, sponsor banners, and mile markers along course. Table & Tent Crew – 4 volunteers – Sets up registration tables, sponsor/vendor booths, water stations, and shade tents. Décor & Ribbon Wall Team – 4 volunteers – Installs red-themed decorations, AIDS ribbon wall, and photo backdrop. Sound & Stage Setup – 1 volunteer– Assists DJ/MC with sound check, microphones, and power setup.

Registration & Check-In

Deadline: Nov 15, 2025

Apply now

Registration Lead – Oversees participant check-in and resolves registration issues. Check-In Crew – Checks names, distributes bibs, wristbands, or participant swag. On-Site Registration – Handles walk-up registrations and payments/donations. Merch/Sales Table – Manages T-shirt & merch sales. Donation Table –Collects extra donations (cash, card, QR codes).

Course & Participant Support

Deadline: Nov 15, 2025

Apply now

Course Marshals –Positioned along the route to direct participants and cheer them on. Water Station Crew – Hands out water and snacks mid-course. First Aid/Medical Support – Monitors health and safety of participants (partner with local EMTs). Route Guide Lead – Walks/jogs ahead of participants to ensure route is safe and signage is correct. Sweeper Walker – Walks at the back to ensure no one is left behind.

Entertainment & Engagement

Deadline: Nov 15, 2025

Apply now

MC/Stage Host Assistant – Helps keep schedule flowing and assists with announcements. Performer Liaison –Coordinates with drag performers, speakers, and entertainment. Photo/Video Team – Takes pictures and records event for marketing & social media. Social Media Live Team – Posts updates, videos, and winner announcements in real time.

Wrap-Up Crew (Post-Event)

Deadline: Nov 15, 2025

Apply now

Tear-Down Lead – Oversees dismantling of tents, tables, and signage. Clean-Up Crew – Ensures all trash is picked up and site is returned to park’s satisfaction. Inventory & Storage Team – Packs up decorations, supplies, and leftover merch for storage.

Sponsor/Vendor Support

Deadline: Nov 15, 2025

Apply now

Sponsor & Vendor Support Sponsor Liaison – Welcomes sponsors, ensures their needs are met. Vendor Coordinator – Guides vendors to assigned spots and checks they have power, tables, etc. Fundraising Stations Ribbon Wall Donation Host – Manages ribbon writing & placement for donations. Raffle Ticket Sellers – Sells tickets for any raffles or prize drawings.

Other applications

Interested in applying:

1 active application

Sponsor Individual

Deadline: Nov 17, 2025

Apply now

THIS APPLICATION IS FOR INDIVIDUAL & TEAM WALK/RUN REGISTRATIONS

Join us in raising funds for The Ladies Room and the Red Dress Run.

Register and donate today.

What is the Red Dress Run?
The Red Dress Run is not your typical walk or fundraiser — it’s a celebration of life, unity, and resilience.

Picture hundreds of people — families, kids, pets, and neighbors — all decked out in red, moving together to raise awareness and funds for HIV prevention and care. It’s part parade, part community walk, part block party — and 100% community. Whether you run, walk, roll, or strut your stuff, you’ll be part of something unforgettable.

Why This Event Matters
HIV prevention and care funding in South Carolina is being cut at alarming rates, leaving vulnerable communities without essential support.

The Ladies Room SC is stepping up — but we can’t do it alone. This event directly funds life-saving services for people living with HIV and those most at risk, including:
- Emergency housing
- Food support
- HIV/STI testing and prevention navigation
- Culturally competent healthcare connections
- Safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ people

Event Day Highlights
This is a pet- and kid-friendly event with activities for everyone.

- Community Walk/Run/Strut along scenic trails (distance TBD due to park construction)
- Wear your most fabulous red outfit (costumes encouraged!)
- Contests & Prizes: Best Dressed Adult & Youth, Best Dressed Pet, Biggest Fundraiser
- Live DJ, music, and games
- Wellness Hub with free HIV/STI testing, PrEP navigation, and resources
- Community Village with vendors, local businesses, and nonprofits
- Food trucks and refreshments

Logistics
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2025
Location: Conestee Park, Greenville, SC
Check-in: 9:00 AM
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Awards & After Party: 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
☔ Rain or Shine – Dress for the weather
♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly

Ways to Get Involved
- Become a sponsor at any level
- Make a give/get pledge of $250+ and rally your network
- Donate raffle or silent auction items
- Volunteer to help bring the event to life

Fundraising Goal

We aim to raise $50,000+ through sponsorships, participant fundraising, donations, raffles, and in-kind contributions. Every dollar directly supports programs that save lives.

Real Impact of Your Contribution
$750 – One week of emergency housing for a person living with HIV
$300 – One month of groceries for a household in crisis
$80 – Two at-home rapid HIV tests + prevention counseling
$150 – Peer-led support group session with facilitator, space, and refreshments

Sponsor Benefits at a Glance
Presenting Sponsor – $5,000: Naming rights, premier logo placement, speaking opportunity, press feature, 10 VIP Experience Passes
Champion Sponsor – $2,500: Logo on shirts, banners, website, social media features, 6 VIP Experience Passes
Advocate Sponsor – $1,000: Logo on event signage, social media mention, 4 VIP Experience Passes
Community Sponsor – $500: Name on materials, social media mention, 2 VIP Experience Passes

Maps

Donate

Invidual

Deadline: Nov 14, 2025

Contribute

Fundraising Goal We aim to raise $50,000 through the Red Dress Run/Walk to power our HIV prevention, care, and community support work for trans and nonbinary people of color across the Upstate. Funds raised will help us: Provide at-home HIV testing kits, PrEP counseling, and care navigation Expand Positive Change, our peer-led support program for those newly diagnosed Offer emergency housing, transportation, and food assistance for participants in crisis Support stipends for trans facilitators, group supplies, and leadership development Ensure the Red Dress Run/Walk remains a bold, visible, and affirming platform for HIV awareness, remembrance, and action led by the most impacted Together, we’re not just raising awareness — we’re raising resources that save lives.

Terms & Conditions

By registering for and participating in the World AIDS Day Red Dress Run/Walk, you agree to the following: You participate at your own risk and understand that The Ladies Room SC and its partners are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damages that may occur during the event. You grant permission to be photographed or filmed for promotional purposes unless otherwise specified in writing. You agree to behave in a respectful, inclusive manner toward all attendees, staff, and volunteers. No hate speech, harassment, or discrimination of any kind will be tolerated. This event is open to all ages; however, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. By submitting your registration, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these terms.

Hosted by Upstate Pride SC

Joined Eventeny in January 2024

18 events

Greenville, South Carolina, United States