Feeding Matters is excited to host our
4th Annual Feed the Cause: 20th Anniversary Gala supporting Feeding Disorders and Differences
on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 from 6:00-9:00pm at Papago Golf Club.
Join us in celebrating Feeding Matters’ 20th Anniversary at Feed the Cause, a powerful and inspiring evening uniting our community in support of children with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
These serious, often misunderstood and overlooked conditions affect children’s ability to eat, grow, and thrive. Healthcare providers often lack training to recognize or treat PFD and ARFID, and families face a long and confusing journey—navigating medical systems, searching for answers, and struggling to find support.
Feed the Cause raises critical funds to support education, research, advocacy, and family support — ensuring that children with PFD and ARFID are seen, heard, and helped.
What to Expect
An unforgettable evening of purpose, inspiration, and connection
- Delicious chef demos + open bar
- Stories from families and providers affected by PFD and ARFID
- Silent auction + entertainment
- Beautiful views of the Papago Golf Course and downtown Phoenix skyline
Attire is black tie (optional).
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, educator, donor, or parent you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how PFD and ARFID impact children, and how you can be part of the solution.
If you are coming in town for this event, check out our Staff Guide to Phoenix for some suggested places to stay and things to do.
Meet our Emcee, Kristy Siefkin
Kristy Siefkin has spent nearly 20 years in front of a microphone and camera, broadcasting on networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, Animal Planet and Discovery.
Combining her skills as an Emmy-recognized storyteller and Duke University psychology research nerd, Kristy teaches executives and teams how to master the three keys to persuasive communication: mindset, messaging, and delivery.
Kristy has helped thousands of experts interview confidently on national media; deliver pitches and presentations that close record-setting deals; and get the standing ovation that makes every person want to do business with them. Companies like HP, Zions Bank, Thermo Fisher, Goodwill and Cloudflare trust Kristy to train their talent.
As a keynote speaker and emcee, Kristy has taken a wide variety of stages: from Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, to the Healthcare Financial Management Association, to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, to ASM Semiconductor.
When she’s not speaking, coaching or training, you’ll find Kristy road tripping with her feisty Norwich Terrier, “Poppy Monsoon.”
Meet our Live Auctioneer, Anna Aja
Anna Aja is a third generation auctioneer with a passion for helping non-profits reach their maximum earning potential. As a graduate of the University of Arizona and Mendenhall School of Auctioneering Anna utilizes her education and her honest and heartfelt approach to assist each client in reaching their goals. Anna is known for being a dynamic and high energy auctioneer in addition to being a passionate storyteller. Anna is active in her parish, volunteer coaches and enjoys time with her family. She and her husband Bass reside in Stanfield with their three rambunctious children.
Meet our Event Chair, Dr. Rhonda Anderson
We are thrilled to have Dr. Rhonda Anderson chair this year’s event!
Rhonda Anderson, DNSc(h), MPA, BS, RN, FAAN, LFACHE, FACHT
Dr. Rhonda Anderson is currently a healthcare consultant for RMA Consulting of Arizona and a consultant/surveyor for Global Healthcare Accreditation. From 2009 to 2016, she was Chief Executive Officer of Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona, a Banner Health hospital. Prior to that she held CEO, COO and CNO positions for healthcare organizations in the East Coast, Midwest and Southwest. She is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Dr. Anderson is a member of the Chamberlain University Board of Trustees and chair of the Governance Committee. She is a trustee of the Arizona Perinatal Trust, Chair of the Arizona Nurses Foundation for the Future of Nursing, Make A Wish Arizona Board, Chair Wish Committee, Scottsdale Center for the Arts Board, American Organization for Nurse Leaders Foundation Financial Aid Chair, Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association Board, Chair Clinical Excellence Committee, Quality Committee Member Honor Health, Christian Care Association Board and Vice Chair, Products, Services and Education Committee for ACHE, House of Refuge Board, Motive Board of Directors, Grand Canyon University Nursing Advisory Board, Nurses on Boards Coalition, and immediate past Chair of the Elders of Chaparral Christian Church.
Dr. Anderson served nine years as a Joint Commission Commissioner, American Hospital Association Board of Trustees for three years, Board of the Joint Commission International, ACHE Regent for Arizona, Institute for Interactive Patient Care National Advisory Board, Health Research and Education Trust Board, Committee on Research, Children’s Hospital Association Public Policy Council, National Quality Forum Measure Applications Partnership Coordinating Committee, Chair of the Board of Directors for Children’s Action Alliance, Chair of Ryan House Board, Robert Woods Johnson Foundation National Advisory Committee for Academic Progression in Nursing, American Heart Association Health Forum Board of Directors, Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Education Committee, Chair Eisenberg Awards Committee, American Hospital Association Committee of Performance Improvement, NGC/NQMC Expert Panel, and served as President of American Organization of Nurse Executives, Board Member and past President American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Organization for Nurse Leaders Foundation Board, and other national patient safety, quality, and performance measurement committees for the past fifteen years.
Dr. Anderson has received a number of awards for her service to the nursing and business communities. In addition to receiving the Distinguished Achievement Award from Arizona State University College of Nursing, Dr. Anderson was a selected participant in The First International Institute: Executive Nurse Leadership in the United Kingdom and the United States, Florence Nightingale Trust in London, England. She was also awarded the American Organization of Nurse Executives Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In addition, Dr. Anderson was named Arizona Business Magazine’s 2012 Healthcare Leadership Award “Hospital Executive of the Year” and one of their “Fifty Most Influential Women in Arizona Business.”