Today: Mar 29, 2024

Fashion show held on campus for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders 

Sarah SheltonFeatures Editor

$1,927 raised and a student fashion show for anorexia nervosa and associated disorders happened last week right here on campus. 

The University’s sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, known as DPHIE, has an annual “ANAD week” to raise awareness and money for anorexia nervosa and associated disorders. 

According to the DPHIE Instagram page, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders is “the leading nonprofit in the U.S. that provides free peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorder, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background” 

The post also states DPHIE began a philanthropic relationship with ANAD in 1985 and has been working with them ever since. 

This week usually has different events every year, except their annual fashion show, which occurred on March 31 this year. 

Throughout the week, they put on events including social media challenges, tabling events, a yoga event, and a candlelight vigil. 

“DPHIE puts on this fashion show to raise money for our philanthropy ANAD and emphasize being comfortable in your own skin. We let the walkers choose the outfits they feel the best in and the crowd gives loads of applause and encouragement to allow everyone to feel their best,” Delta Phi Epsilon President Alina Marcelynas, a junior, said. “We want to send the message that everyone should always feel their best no matter what you are wearing and emphasize that everyone is beautiful in their own way.” 

Marcelynas said they do these events to spread awareness and education on the topic and allow others to see how important their philanthropy is and how they can help. 

While walking up to the fashion show event, there was a table accepting donations, then you walk into the purple streamers to half of the Adanti Student Ballroom set up with a runway, chairs and a snack table. 

“I think it is a good setup, I did not expect the ballroom to be cut in half, but they are doing what they can with the space they got,” Ben Martin, a freshman, said. 

Martin was there to support his friends in the show and the cause. 

When the show started, students wore different things to showcase their outfits, some t-shirts with a skirt, suits, rompers, jeans with a nice shirt and many dresses. 

Two DPHIE sisters, Alessandra, and Francesca Lupo walked down the runway together, which looked cool and reallyshowcased their sisterhood together, considering they are twin sisters. 

“It felt great to walk in the show. I’ve been looking forward to walking in it since I got into DPhiE in Fall 2019,” early childhood education major Francesca Lupo, a senior, said. “For formal wear and Southern wear I walked by myself and it was so much fun. For the last outfit change, I walked with my sister, who is also in DPhiE, which was a great and special experience. It felt so good to be able to finally do it after 2 years.” 

Psychology major Jillian Haggerty, a sophomore, and A student who walked the runway, said her favorite part of the show was seeing people she has not seen in a while coming down to show their support. 

“I rushed and got accepted to Delta Phi Epsilon, but then I had got a concussion and they deferred me to next semester, meaning I do not have to rush again, which is very nice. They still invite me to their events,” Haggerty said. “I was very excited to hang out with them and be part of something amazing.” 

Haggerty wore a floral dress and was seen smiling while walking down the middle of the chairs on the “runway.”  

“I really wanted to show my fashion and my support for DPHIE and for ANAD week. I think the message was beautiful, to feel beautiful in your own skin,” Haggerty said. “I once have suffered from an eating disorder, and it took a very long time to be comfortable in my own skin and show it love.” 

Lupo said they raised over $2,000 with these events and separate fundraising as well.  

“ANAD has really helped people with the resources they give, and they are such an important foundation,” Marcelynas said. “By raising money, we are allowing others to get the help they need while also allowing this foundation to spread awareness and education so that others can be more understanding of these illnesses and reach out to get the help they need or help loved ones they may know who are struggling.” 

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