candlelight vigil guide - anad · e v en t s t h a t e nd s w ith a can d leligh t vigil, a nad is...

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

Candlelight Vigil Guide

The tool you need to help plan and execute your own ANAD Candlelight Vigil at home, in your community, or on campus!

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Dear ANAD Community,

This annual event is meant to raise awareness of eating disorders and promote a positive self-image through the theme of “Your Future is Worth Fighting For” It is also a time to remember the lives lost to these devastating diseases and to emphasize that recovery can be achieved. This guide will explain how to organize and publicize your own ANAD Candlelight Vigil, along with suggestions for additional events to educate your community about eating disorders, as well as steps to creating a successful fundraiser and

Any fundraising event you or your group or organization could undertake to benefit ANAD is greatly appreciated, as we are funded by private donations and all our services are free to anyone who needs help. One donation can make a world of difference and that difference lies within you.

Please know that each Vigil is very important and may even be the catalyst for someone to seek assistance. Whether you hold a one hour Vigil or an ANAD week-long series of events that ends with a candlelight vigil, ANAD is very grateful that you have joined our efforts to promote awareness of eating disorders.

We always enjoy hearing about Vigil events and seeing your pictures. Please do not hesitate to call us at 630-577-1333 or email at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. Again, thanks so much for your help in making the Vigil a success and for being a part of the ANAD Community!

Sincerely,

Lynn Slawsky

Interim Executive Director

Candlelight Vigil Guide ● 2


Fundraise for ANAD in your Community or at College

Help light the night and bring eating disorders out of the dark! The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders is challenging you to help raise funds for ANAD, by raising awareness about eating disorders through a candlelight vigil.

The Candlelight Vigil is an inspiring night to commemorate those who have lost their lives and recognize those who have recovered and survived, while also promoting eating disorder awareness to the general public. This program allows individuals and groups (such as Delta Phi chapters) to host an event in their home town or on campus to support eating disorder awareness, prevention, education, and advocacy.

ANAD’s Candlelight Vigil has two overarching goals:

● Increase awareness of eating disorders, body image, self esteem,, and self perception

● Increase fundraising for awareness, prevention, education, and advocacy of eating disorders

ANAD’s Candlelight Vigil Guide provides all the materials needed to host a successful candlelight vigil with simple program guides and resources for everything from how to organize the event, to how to recruit team members and publicize the event.

For more information about a Candlelight Vigil, call (630) 577-1333 or e-mail [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]


ANAD Candlelight Vigil Agreement :

Chapter (if pertainable): _______________________________________________________

College (if pertainable): _______________________________________________________

Contact Person: _____________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________ City: ___________________ State: ______

Phone Number: ________________________ Email: ______________________________

_____ Yes! I/We will sponsor a Candlelight Vigil on [date]: _______________________

_____ Yes! Please send ANAD “Your Future is Worth Fighting For” purple bracelets as a fundraising opportunity. (Please add $5.00 to your total for shipping).

_____ 50 bracelets for $150

_____100 bracelets for $200



__________________________ ___________________

Signature Date



Release Form

We love your pictures and articles! Please email them to [email protected].

I agree to release all pictures, articles and media information from our Candlelight Vigil,

for ANAD’s use.

NAME:___________________________________________________________________

ORGANIZATION/SCHOOL(if applicable):________________________________________

DATE OF VIGIL:____________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE:______________________________________________________________

PHONE: __________________________EMAIL:__________________________________



Step 1: How to Set up Your ANAD Candlelight Vigil A. Sample Committee Structure

Position Role

Candlelight Vigil Event Chair or Vice President of Programming

● Serves as a liaison to ANAD ● Main contact regarding general questions/

concerns pertaining to candlelight vigil events ● Runs awareness and advocacy programming ● Establishes accounting records and budget ● Coordinates fundraisers and events

Vigil Event Co Chair or Philanthropy Chair ● Serves as the liaison between the committee and other local businesses or other student clubs

● Helps coordinate community and campus awareness and creates promotional materials for vigil

B. Managing your committee

● Set goals with specific dates and dollar amounts ● Ask for regular reports on progress from your volunteer team ● Show that you value your committee’s time & recognize a job well done ● Involve each of your committee members

C. How to Make Your Event Successful

Select a date and time that is best for your event:

● Plan a rain date or secure an indoor rain location if you are having an outdoor event

Select a location that is attractive and central to your attendees:

● If many people will walk to the event, select a location that is as convenient as possible.

Secure your event location and any permits at least one month in advance:

● Follow all regulations regarding the use of your venue, fundraising, and publicizing on campus and around your community.

Recruit participants:

● Ask as many people as you can, including your friends, your professors, fellow employees, and community members you may know.

Encourage all participants to:

● Recruit others to participate ● Ask for sponsor donations face to face ● Ask their family and friends to help them collect donations ● Bring their donations with them on the event day



Step 2: Publicize and Recruit

Spread the Word

1. Use promotional materials, advertisements, and social media to spread the word about an upcoming event.

● Ask your friends, professors, and community contacts to get involved ● Distribute flyers around campus and at local businesses ● Create Facebook group/events ● Tweet on Twitter ● Circulate promotional videos; “Delta Phi Epsilon and ANAD”

http://www.anad.org/get-involved/delta-phi-epsilon/ ● Add the event to community and school calendars

2. Contact Support Groups

● Reach out to support groups that may be interested in supporting your ANAD vigil or speaking at it.

○ Many cities and states have ANAD support groups and treatment facilities. Visit www.anad.org > Get Help for support groups & treatment centers to search for groups by zip code.

● Community service organizations ● Psychology/Sociology/Nutrition Groups or local Volunteer Groups in the community

3. Sample Facebook Event Page & Email Blast

(Organization) presents ANAD Candlelight Vigil

Please join us for a candlelight vigil to benefit The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders and help us bring eating disorders out of the dark.

[date] at [time] at [location]

for an inspiring night to commemorate those who have lost their lives and recognize those who have recovered and survived, while also promoting eating disorder awareness.

Get some friends together and learn more about eating disorders and support an important cause. Come listen to speakers, hear great music and participate in candle lighting. [dollar

amount] donation at the door or pledge to raise money for ANAD!

To sign up, please contact [committee member] at [email or phone #]



Step 3: Raise Awareness All Year Long

Fundraising & Awareness Campaign Overview

While awareness is a key goal of the Candlelight Vigil, raising funds for eating disorders is just as important. Here are some ways you can raise funds to fight eating disorders.

Buy/sell group/event T-shirts and ANAD bracelets

● Create your own t-shirt and buy/sell ANAD bracelets to the community, people at work, entire Greek system, and school.

Participate in Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

● Check the ANAD website for activities to participate in and bring to your community and campus.

Plan an Auction or Raffle

● Ask local businesses to donate spa services, gift certificates, or goods to auction or raffle off in support of ANAD.

Organize a Walk-a-Thon or Run for ANAD

● Organize a day in which individuals can raise money and awareness by participating in 5 kilometers or a 1 mile race or walk-a-thon dedicated to supporting eating disorders.

Plan a Picnic and Games Day

● Charge a small cover fee and grill out in a local park. Plan a free-throw contest, three legged race, and other fun events. If weather is an issue, reserve your local gym or events center and host sports tournaments!

“Loose Change” Jar

● Create a “loose change” jar that people can throw their spare change into at work. You would be surprised how quickly this can add up! Remember that even the smallest contributions to ANAD are deeply appreciated and will help out our organization greatly. Don’t forget to place the jar in a visible location that will remind people to contribute daily but also be sure that the jar is in a safe place.

Free Yoga/Aerobics

● This can be held during the entire week on campus, and there can be a basket or jar where students, parents, etc. can put in donations in support of ANAD. You may also provide information regarding physical fitness and healthy eating habits.

All Shapes & Sizes Fashion Show



● Any student would be able to participate in this event. Local stores could loan their clothes in exchange for acknowledgement in the program. This would then promote acceptance of a variety of sizes, shapes and body types in order to combat unrealistic ideals in the media and in the fashion industry. You can charge a small cover fee for those who attend this event.

Bowl-a-thon

● This event would promote physical activity and wellness. People can pay to participate in this activity and proceeds would then go to ANAD.

Art Show

● Whether you're exhibiting your own artwork or someone else's, setting up an art exhibition can be a creative, fulfilling endeavor to raise awareness and funds.

Concert/Battle of the Bands

● A battle of the bands can bring members of your community together, promote local music and raise money for charity by asking for a cover charge at the door.

Bags/Cornhole Tournament

● When you hold a bags tournament you need 12 people. This number of people is ideal so the scores and games turn out properly. You will need to have three bag boards and six sets of bags to play an individual tournament. You will also need to print out tournament cards so each of the players can keep score of their points. You can find bags tournament cards, boards, bags, and other equipment on the internet to set up your tournament.



How to Collect Donations

There are several ways you can collect donations. Here are our recommendations:

1. Online Fundraising: Direct your donors to www.anad.org/donate/ and ask them to include your organization name, location, and ANAD Candlelight Vigil as their “Donation Message.”

2. Check: Checks can be made out to ANAD and sent to the address below. Sorority chapters checks need to be made payable to the chapter, so that the chapter can send one large check to the Educational Foundation. They will then send all donations to ANAD.

3. Cash : Cash can be sent to ANAD at the address below. For chapters, before sending in your donations from bracelet, ribbon, or t-shirt sales, chapters will need to convert cash to a money order to deposit in Billhighway.

*Chapters will need to print a copy of their final donations page and send to IHQ to ensure total money raised is being counted for CAP

**When you have finished collecting all donations, please send the Fundraising Summary Form along with your check to:

ANAD

Attn: Candlelight Vigil

220 N Green Street

Chicago, IL 60607



Fundraising Summary Form

College (if applicable)__________________________________________________

Event Chair or Leader __________________________________________________

Phone__________________________Email_________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________

City______________________________________ST_______ZIP________________

Date of Event _____________________ Number of Participants________________

Amount Raised $____________________

Mail this form and total amount contributed to:

ANAD

Attn: Candlelight Vigil

220 N Green Street

Chicago, IL 60607



Letter Writing Campaign to Friends and Family

Write a personalized letter and send to friends and family. Some tips for letter writing:

● Keep your letter brief ● State your own commitment to the ANAD cause—wellness, self-esteem,

advocacy ● Mention your specific fundraising event ● Explain why donating is important and where their money will go: ANAD! ● Ask for a specific donation amount/goal ● Outline ways your donors can get their money to you and your organization ● Thank your donor ● Sign your letter and address your envelope by hand

**If you mail a letter, be sure to include a self-addressed envelope.**

Dear [Name],

This year, I'm participating in the Candlelight Vigil on [Event Date]. Please help me meet my fundraising goal of [Goal] by sponsoring me. You'll feel confident in knowing that your generous gift is being used efficiently and effectively: contributions go directly toward supporting support services for those in eating disorder recovery. And, your gift is tax deductible. Making a donation is easy. You can donate online at http://www.anad.org/donate/ and enter [our organization name] as a donation message.

You can also send a donation in cash or by check payable to ANAD at any time before [Event Date] to [Treasurer’s name and address] in the envelope I have included. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated!

Donating to ANAD Candlelight Vigil is such a simple and effective way for you to show your support for this important cause. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are celebrating recovery or are still fighting against an eating disorder. Once again, thank you for supporting the mission of ANAD. For more information, please log-on to the ANAD website. www.anad.org.

All the Best,

[Enter your name here]



Sample Letter to Businesses

* If you mail a letter, be sure to include a self-addressed envelope with your letter**

Dear [enter vendor’s company name here] Partners:

My organization, [Enter your organization name here], has made a commitment to The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), Candlelight Vigil. I am writing to ask for your help and to enlist your support for this most worthwhile event.

Did you know there are 30 million people in the U.S. who suffer from eating disorders, and someone dies EVERY HOUR as a result? I am volunteering with ANAD, and this organization believes everyone deserves to live without the dangers and preoccupation of these eating disorders. That's why ANAD provides services to anyone who wants some free support. ANAD offers Helpline, support groups, recovery mentorship, and help raise awareness.

I will be participating in the Candlelight Vigil [Enter date here] at [Enter location here] with a large group of students and people from other local companies and organizations to raise awareness of eating disorders and funds for ANAD. Collectively, our team would like to raise more than [Enter your organization goal here] for eating disorder awareness, prevention, education, and advocacy programs.

I would appreciate a donation of [Enter amount or need for donated goods here— i.e.: candles, bottles of water, healthy snacks, etc.] from you, or whatever your budget allows. Your charitable contribution is 100 percent tax deductible. Please let me know if you will be making a donation, and send your check, made payable to ANAD.

Your contribution will enable ANAD to continue to raise awareness of eating disorders and support those who are still fighting.

Sincerely,

[Enter your name here]



Sample Event Planning Timeline

6 months before the event

● Secure committee ● Set date and reserve site ● Recruit volunteers

4 months before event

● Secure speakers, musicians, and other motivational/ inspirational/ educational “entertainment”

● Promote event via Facebook, posters/flyers, advertisements, newsletters

2 months before event

● Confirm sponsors and amount of food and beverages ● Order t-shirts & bracelets to sell at the event for profit

1– 2 weeks before event

● Confirm volunteers (greeters, cashbox, refreshments, set-up, clean- up, etc.)

● Confirm food/beverage ● Confirm participants ● Confirm site and equipment ● Send a final reminder on Facebook and through e-mails

Within one week after event

● Thank donors ● Thank participants



Sample Vigil Program

6:00 – 6:30 Music as people are arriving

6:30 – 6:35 Welcome and Introduction

6:35 – 7:30 Speaker(s) and Reflections

7:30 – 7:45 Candlelight Ceremony & Moment of Silence

7:45 – 7:50 Reading of the Pledge

7:50 – 8:10 Closing Remarks Donation Reminder

Please note: This is YOUR vigil. You can plan it anyway you like. We do ask that the Pledge be read. You may or may not want to give out a simple program. Sometimes people like to have a question and answer period which includes personal stories or questions. The chairperson should read the pledge, lead the candle-lighting, and moment of silence/prayer.

Once again, ANAD thanks you for supporting this worthy cause. Please know that we are here to help you if you need suggestions or have any questions. After the Vigil, we hope you will share your thoughts with us and your pictures!



The ANAD Pledge To be read during the Candlelight Vigil Ceremony

I will accept myself as I am.

My uniqueness is a badge of honor, something to be proud of. There is no one in the world quite like me, and I will strive to develop my special skills and abilities.

I will accept others as they are.

Each person is special and different. I will to try to learn from these differences rather than be critical of them.

I will support diversity and freedom of expression in the way people think, look and live.

There is no single standard of “rightness;” rather we live in a world of individuals, each of whom provides a different answer. Through our differences humanity continues to

evolve.

I will not tolerate physical or mental abuse.

There is NEVER a reason for people to hurt other people, and I will do my utmost to prevent such abuse. We are all equal and deserve the same thoughtful consideration.

I will actively work to change media programming and advertising that exploits or demeans the human body.

Setting standards of physical “perfection” is harmful to everybody. The media needs to understand that real human beauty lies in our differences, not our similarities.

I will work to improve the lives of individuals, communities and the environment.

As a responsible member of society, I understand that the more good I do for the people and places around me, the better off everyone will be. We need to think not only of

today, but of tomorrow and our children’s future.

I will support good health through proper nutrition, regular exercise and adequate sleep. Good health enables us to achieve success in life—at work, at home and in our

personal relationships.



THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA AND ASSOCIATED DISORDERS

Who is ANAD?

● Since 1976, The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, (ANAD) has been dedicated to the prevention and alleviation of eating disorders by providing many multi-faceted programs for the entire eating disorder community.

● ANAD was the nation’s first non-profit organization dedicated to helping suffering individuals and their hurting families.

How does ANAD work to accomplish their mission?

● ANAD believes that early detection of eating disorders save lives; therefore, ANAD works to educate parents, teachers, families and communities about the dangers through a variety of mediums including our website, newsletter, and educational outreach events & programs.

● Since the very beginning, ANAD’s Helpline has provided support and information to thousands of people and families affected by anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.

● ANAD’s website hosts invaluable information about the disorders, treatment in our treatment listing directory, and educational materials including extensive trainings for our volunteers. Included on our website, is a referral list that includes therapists, inpatient and outpatient programs in the U.S.

● ANAD assists in the formation of ANAD Support Groups so that those in recovery and their families may meet others to talk with and support one another. There are now groups and resources in most states, listed in ANAD’s Treatment Directory Listing.

● ANAD has created the ANAD Recovery Mentorship Support Service, which matches an individual in recovery with a recovered mentor to talk with and connect with.

● ANAD receives no federal funding and depends on the generosity of individual donors and corporations to support our life-saving mission.



ABOUT EATING DISORDERS A History of Eating Disorders

Although the term “eating disorder” is easily recognized in contemporary society, eating disorders are not a recent development by any means. Eating disorders can be traced back hundreds of years as many ancient texts depict the eating disorders we see today. But, even as late as the 1970’s, the term eating disorder did not exist in the way that we recognize it today. Anorexia Nervosa was so rare that there were no more than 2000 reported cases in the entire United States. Forty years later, eating disorders affect seven to ten million women, and approximately one million men in the US alone. The good news is that by raising awareness of eating disorders, more individuals are identified and have the opportunity to seek help.

What is an Eating Disorder?

You may have heard the terms anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder, but what is an eating disorder, really? It is not simply a body weight, a percentage of fat, or a desire to be skinny. It is an improper relationship with food characterized by obsessive thoughts and habits causing psychological distress. No one knows the exact causes of eating disorders, but in general, eating disorder behaviors are used to cope with anxiety or strong emotions. People with eating disorders are very anxious about what they eat, are very worried about gaining weight or looking too heavy, and spend a great deal of time thinking about these concerns. Social isolation and low self-esteem are common in those with eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation, a drive for thinness, and excessive weight loss.

Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binging and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, or over-exercise.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a type of eating disorder characterized by recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory measures to counter the binge eating. An individual suffering from BED engages in frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating characterized by feeling frenzied, out of control, and consuming food past the point of being comfortably full.

Eating Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is the category for people who do not meet the strict criteria for Anorexia, Bulimia Nervosa, or Binge Eating Disorder, but who have significant concerns about eating and body image. Most patients do not have pure forms of eating disorders, and symptoms may cross over from one disorder to another over time.

Common Co-Morbidity (CCM) Eating Disorders often co-exist with other psychological problems. Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Alcohol and Drug addictions, and Self-Injury are commonly found in people already struggling from eating disorders.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is defined as an excessive preoccupation with a real or imagined defect in personal appearance. People with BDD have an irrational or distorted perception of how they look, and they are obsessed with certain characteristics of their appearance. They may exaggerate a perceived flaw out of proportion and have trouble controlling obsessive, negative thoughts about “flaws” in their appearance. People with BDD may consider themselves so unattractive that social anxiety may develop due to fear of rejection from others based on this “flaw”.



Why are Eating Disorders Considered Mental Health Problems?

Eating disorders are associated with emotional problems in addition to poor eating behaviors. Some of those who have eating disorders have undergone extreme distress, trauma, or abuse, which may trigger unhealthy behaviors. Eating disorder sufferers experience both emotional and behavioral symptoms, and these disorders are also closely related to many other mental health issues.

Who do Eating Disorders Affect?

Eating disorders are serious and persistent problems that touch people across all ages and races, and affect both males and females. One misconception about eating disorders is that a person has to be underweight to have an eating disorder. People in a great deal of emotional pain and at great medical risk can be underweight, average weight, or overweight. Twenty-five percent of college-aged women engage in binging and purging as a weight-management technique. Up to 24 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder.

Younger Children are Developing Eating Disorders.

In the last five years, children ages five to thirteen years of age have been referred to eating disorder clinics in greater numbers. This increase is due to heightened awareness of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and to an increase in the development of eating disorders.

Disordered Eating Affects Learning Outcomes.

The irritability, decreased concentration, nausea, headaches, and dissatisfaction which often accompany disordered eating have a negative effect on a student’s ability to learn and complete assignments. A change in test scores and academic achievement may be a warning sign of disordered eating. As preoccupation with food takes over, a student may retreat from social activities, lose interest in school work, family and friends, and feel lonely, alienated, and disconnected from society.

Mortality Rates

Sadly, eating disorders have the highest death rate of any mental illness. Eating disorders increase an individual’s death rate due to both medical complications and an increased suicide risk. The mortality rates reported on those who suffer from eating disorders can vary considerably between studies and sources. Part of the reason why there is a large variance in the reported number of deaths caused by eating disorders is because those who suffer from an eating disorder may ultimately die of heart failure, organ failure, malnutrition or suicide. Often, the medical complications of death are reported instead of the eating disorder that compromised a person’s health.

Early Detection of Eating Disorders is Necessary to Increase the Likelihood of Successful Treatment.

Friends, relatives, teachers, and health care providers all play an important role in helping someone begin and continue treatment. Only 35% of people that receive treatment for eating disorders receive treatment from specialists in the field of eating disorders, and only 1 in 10 men and women with eating disorders receive any treatment. Eating disorders carry complexities unmatched by almost any other disease. Eating disorders are not simply just a physical disease; eating disorders are also biological and psychological and are impacted by genetics, societal norms, and personal belief systems. To effectively treat an eating disorder, each of these elements must be addressed. Once these areas are addressed, the reality is that recovery is possible and does happen. Eating disorders can be treated and a healthy weight can be restored. The sooner these disorders are diagnosed and treated, the better the outcomes are likely to be.


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