The inaugural Feed the Cause, an event supporting pediatric feeding disorder, promises an evening of education, inspiration and connection.

Taking place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at Papago Golf Club, 5595 E. Karsten Way, in Phoenix.

Pediatric feeding disorder is often a silent battle affecting more than one in 37 American children under the age of 5 annually. PFD is defined as impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate and is associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skills, and psychosocial dysfunction.

Families dealing with PFD face a multitude of obstacles, including limited access to evidence-based data, the intricate and frequently misinterpreted characteristics and nature of PFD, and the emotional strain of caring for a child who experiences difficulty eating.

Meal times become a laborious journey where each calorie and developmental milestone is a hard-fought victory.

“In creating the first annual 'Feed the Cause,' we aspire to shine a light on pediatric feeding disorder, a battle impacting countless lives,” Jaclyn Pederson, Feeding Matters chief executive officer, shared in a press release. “It is also an occasion for Arizonans to feel tremendous pride, as this locally-founded nonprofit creates a positive difference in the lives of these children and their families worldwide, one PFD case at a time.”

The night of the event, guests will be joined by honorary chairs Shannon and Bob Goldwater.

All proceeds will bolster Feeding Matters’ mission to improve the lives of children living with pediatric feeding disorder and to make a difference in the lives of those all they serve.

The event offers sponsorship packages with promotional benefits.

Visit feedingmatters.org/AZevent for tickets.