By Victoria Cruz
Contributor
Models and members of Delta Phi Epsilon at the ANAD Fashion Show on April 14 in Engleman Hall.
On April 14 in the Adanti Student Center Theatre, Delta Phi Epsilon hosted an ANAD “All Bodies are Good Bodies” Fashion Show.
ANAD is the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Eating disorders affect people of every age, race, size, gender identity, sexual orientation and background.
“10,200 deaths each year are the direct result of an eating disorder—that’s one death every 52 minutes,” according to ANAD.
Eating disorders are a life-threatening mental illness that impacts at least 30 million people in the U.S., it is the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
ANAD is a national foundation that empowers volunteers to support those who are in recovery.
It is the leading nonprofit in the U.S. that provides free peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorder regardless of background.
Delta Phi Epsilon has been working with ANAD since 1985. Ever since, the group has committed themselves to supporting the foundation through funding and support for those in recovery. All proceeds for the event go to the ANAD Foundation.
The event included various categories including Y2K, formal and dress your own style. This showcased different eras and fashion styles while even giving models the opportunity to show the crowd their own unique style.
In between categories, videos were played that educated spectators on the realities of eating disorders and how they can seek assistance. This educational incorporation in the event allowed the audience the opportunity to feel connected to the cause and understand the significance of ANAD and Delta Phi Epsilon’s mission and how the foundation works every day to assist those in need.
The second video educated spectators on how social media affects the emotional well- being of its users. Social media creates unrealistic expectations. Images are altered and only the best parts of users’ life are shared. Body positivity looks to embrace our bodies while understanding the root cause of where negative emotions come from.
English major Emily Weiner, a senior, expressed her pride in the events success.
“Over the past two years we’ve just been working super hard to raise money for our philanthropies and really build up this chapter and show that like what we’re doing here we do everything for a good cause,” Weiner said.
The event raised over $750 for the ANAD foundation.
“This is the biggest turn out we’ve had in the last three years this is also the most amount of money we’ve raised in the last four years so I would definitely consider it a success,” Weiner said.
English major Mikaila Cinelli, a senior, was in charge of the event.
“As my first time being in a leadership position for the sorority, I’m very proud of myself for having such a turnout that I did and I’m very thankful for everybody who was involved,” Cinelli said.
Jillian Haggerty a senior English major shared her connection to the cause.
“What drew me to this sorority is ANAD which is for eating disorders,” Haggerty said.
“Walking in this fashion show always makes me feel like my body is beautiful I love that the theme this year’s all bodies are beautiful, so it just makes everyone feel like empowered and that every body type is celebrated.”
The “All Bodies Are Good Bodies” Fashion Show celebrated empowerment, raised critical funds for ANAD and spread awareness about the importance of body positivity.
Through events like this, Delta Phi Epsilon continues to show the powerful impact of community, education and support.
