The Emily Program Foundation Board of Directors has announced that Mortenson Vice President Dan Mehls will receive the 2017 Making a Difference Award. This award honors a community member who has made exceptional contributions to the work of The Emily Program Foundation by advancing the organization's mission to save lives, change minds, and work to eliminate eating disorders.

“Dan has touched my heart through his abundant passion and support of The Emily Program Foundation,” said Board of Directors member and Gala Committee Chair Mary Mathiowetz. “To Dan this mission is personal. His fight is not only for his family but for other families to get the help they need at the level they need it.” 

Dan has been involved with The Emily Program Foundation since 2007 and was one of the founding members of the Board of Directors. He was looking for a way to give back to the community in a way that was personal. “My wife April had suffered from an eating disorder when she was in school,” said Dan. “I got involved with the Foundation to try and better understand the root cause of eating disorders and how my wife and others in her situation felt.” He also wanted to prevent the same situation from occurring with his two daughters. 

“In his years as a board member and volunteer for The Emily Program Foundation, Dan has served as an advocate for the cause and a staunch supporter, raising awareness about eating disorders and fighting stigma,” said Executive Director Billie Gray. “Dan's role in the success of the Foundation's annual UnmaskED Gala and his deep commitment to the fight against eating disorders have had a tremendous impact and helped engage others in this important work. We are so grateful to Dan for his unwavering support.” 

“There are a lot more people affected by mental illness than most people realize, which is a core cause of eating disorders,” said Dan. “I am committed to eliminating the negative stigmas attached with mental illness and to openly discussing ways to treat eating disorders.” 

Dan will accept the Making a Difference Award at The Emily Program Foundation's UnmaskED Gala, to be held on March 4th, 2017.