In order to raise money and awareness for eating disorders, the Counseling Center will be hosting the National Eating Disorders Association Walk Saturday. 

Carina Bauer, clinical counselor, said this walk is important to raise the money needed to promote awareness.

“We want to spread awareness on campus that eating disorders exist,” Bauer said.

The walk will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the association has set a goal to raise $25,000.

Yu-Yun Liu, clinical counselor, said last year’s money goal was set at $20,000, and there is no pressure to reach the goal this year. She said all money goes directly to NEDA.

Starting at 10 a.m., an opening ceremony will commence with guest speakers Gina Susanna and Kelly Uchima, advocates for body positivity.

Liu said the speakers were recommended by NEDA, but they have people who are currently in recovery at the event each year.

“Many of the individuals (participating) may have gone through the recovery process,” Liu said.

Bauer said one does not have to be struggling with an eating disorder to participate in the walk or other events.

Sponsors such as Eating Recovery Center, McCallum Place and Kind will be at the event.

Along with the speakers, Love Handles, a rotating group of performers who support sexual violence advocacy and prevention, will be performing, according to the Facebook event.

Bauer said it is a serious topic, but they try to make it a fun event with activities, speakers and live music.

“It’s a community where no one feels alone,” Bauer said.

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Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the host of the walk. The Counseling Center is the host of the walk. The Daily Illini regrets this error.