About Us
An evening of hope, healing, and making waves of change
Beneath the Surface: SEA WAVES Inaugural Gala
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Beneath the Surface, SEA WAVES’ first annual gala, where we come together to shine a light on the hidden realities of eating disorders in the military community.
This powerful night will bring together military leaders, healthcare professionals, advocates, and supporters who are committed to breaking the silence, reducing stigma, and expanding access to life-saving support and resources. Through storytelling, connection, and purpose-driven impact, we will honor those affected, amplify awareness, and inspire meaningful change.
Guests will enjoy an elevated experience featuring inspiring speakers, meaningful moments of reflection, opportunities to connect with mission-driven individuals, and ways to directly support SEA WAVES’ work in prevention, education, and advocacy.
This is more than a gala. It is a movement. A moment to come together, look beyond what’s visible, and take action for those navigating battles beneath the surface.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
We would love to partner with you. Please reach out to [email protected] to learn more.
About the Gala
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 Saturday, November 7, 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.
Contact Us
Connect With Us
Do you have questions or need support? Don’t hesitate to reach out – our team is here to help and would love to hear from you!