Stronger Together Since '76
ANAD's 50th: The Golden Gala
In 1976, Vivian Meehan started an eating disorder support group in her living room because nowhere else existed for her daughter. Fifty years later, that single room has grown into a national helpline, 20 weekly virtual groups, and a mentorship network serving over 400 people every week.
Our Golden Gala represents the exact same thing: a room full of people who care. And we saved you a seat!
Date: Monday, October 5th, 2026
Time: 6-10 PM CT
Location: The Westin O’Hare, 6100 N River Rd. Rosemont, IL
Live streaming from 8-9pm CT!
Purchase Gala Tickets
In-person guests are invited to a welcome reception followed by dinner shared among colleagues and friends. At 8pm CT, we will gather for our main program—also available via our national livestream—to honor ANAD’s decades of service, share stories of hope, and look ahead toward a bright future of healing. We’ll conclude the night by celebrating the joy of community and support with music and dancing.
Sponsor the Gala
Partnering with ANAD for our 50th Golden Gala offers a unique opportunity to align your brand with a half-century of hope and recovery. This milestone event features a hybrid format, connecting you with guests on-site at the Westin O’Hare—including mental health professionals, community leaders, and advocates—while extending your reach to our national audience via our livestream. Reach out to to learn more!
Meet our Flame of Hope Recipient & Keynote Speaker Danny O'Shea!
Earlier this year, Danny captured hearts—and an Olympic gold medal—with his breathtaking performances and powerful message of living and competing with joy. An elite pairs figure skater with a career spanning over two decades, Danny is a multi-time U.S. National Champion and Four Continents Champion. Known across the figure skating world for his technical mastery, artistic depth, and extraordinary resilience through setbacks and injuries, his journey on and off the ice exemplifies strength and perseverance.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Danny has been deeply candid about his personal journey with disordered eating in elite sports. By using his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, body acceptance, and recovery, he is helping break long-standing stigmas surrounding athletes and body image, redefining what it truly means to be a champion.
In recognition of his authenticity, leadership, and dedication to breaking stigmas and stereotypes, ANAD is proud to present Danny with our 2026 Flame of Hope Award during this special evening.
Meet our emcee Stephanie Covington Armstrong!
Stephanie (she/her) is a groundbreaking voice in the eating disorders community.
Her memoir, Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat: A Story of Bulimia, courageously shattered the pervasive myth that eating disorders only affect affluent, white women. Having survived childhood trauma, foster care, and food insecurity, Stephanie developed bulimia as a way to cope with overwhelming pain. By sharing her raw, deeply personal journey of overcoming shame and finding food freedom, she brought much-needed visibility to the unique struggles faced by Black women and women of color—a population historically overlooked and underdiagnosed in eating disorder treatment.
Through her passionate advocacy, she continues to highlight the complex intersections of race, trauma, and recovery, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to dismantle perfectionism, heal their relationship with food, and reclaim their worth.
Thank you to our 50th supporters!
The Golden Gala FAQs
Cocktail Cool: Dress to impress, but prioritize your comfort. We want you looking and feeling your absolute best!
Yes, dinner is included with the purchase of an in-person gala ticket.
Purchase your virtual access ticket here. We will share a link to the livestream closer to the event.
No, all tickets are final.
The Gala will begin at 6pm CT with a welcome reception followed by dinner and the program at 8pm CT. The main program, which will be streamed live will last for approximately 1 hour followed by music and dancing.
Yes! There are several ways to get involved. We’re looking for individuals to share how ANAD has impacted their lives. If you’d like to participate, please submit this form.
Please reach out to if you’re interested in hosting a local birthday in your area!
