An evening of hope, healing, and making waves of change

A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

Every day, service members, veterans, and military families silently battle eating disorders, a crisis that remains largely invisible, misunderstood, and critically underfunded. The pressure to meet physical standards, the trauma of service, and the culture of toughness create a perfect storm. Yet until now, no organization has solely dedicated itself to this fight.

Sea Waves is changing that. We are the nation's first and only organization solely dedicated to addressing eating disorders in the military community.

Join Us Beneath the Surface

On Friday, February 13, 2026, we invite you to The Florida Aquarium in Tampa for an extraordinary black-tie evening that goes beneath the surface... both literally and figuratively. Surrounded by the wonder of marine life, we'll gather to shine a light on those who've served our country and now need our support.

This inaugural gala features:

• Cocktail reception with access to the stunning Coral Reef Gallery
• Elegant three-course dinner with premium hosted bar
• Powerful mission stories and impact video
• Inspiring keynote address
• Silent and live auctions with unique experiences
• Book signing with Sea Waves founder Leah Stiles, author of Battle Scars & Body Wars
• Professional portrait station to capture the evening

Your Impact: The Lighthouse Project

Every dollar raised supports The Lighthouse Project, Sea Waves' signature initiative, providing military-specific eating disorder support, mental health resources, and suicide prevention pathways.

Your generosity will fund:

• Virtual support groups led by trained facilitators who understand military culture
• Educational resources for service members, veterans, and families
• The MEDAL (Military Eating Disorder Awareness and Literacy) training program
• Crisis intervention and connection to specialized treatment
• A lifeline for those who need it most

Why This Matters Now

Eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate of any mental health condition. In the military community, these disorders often go undiagnosed, untreated, and unfunded. Service members fear that seeking help will end their careers. Veterans struggle to find providers who understand their unique experiences. Families watch helplessly as their loved ones suffer in silence.

Sea Waves exists because no one should fight this battle alone, especially those who've already fought for us.

How You Can Help

Whether you join us in person, sponsor the event, purchase ad space in the program or make a donation from afar, your support sends a powerful message: You see them. You believe them. You're standing with them.

Our goal is $75,000 to fund a full year of Lighthouse Project programming. Help us get there.