Grant Halliburton Foundation held its 16th annual Hope Party on Nov. 21 at The Statler in downtown Dallas with more than 530 supporters in attendance. The event raised a record-breaking $620,000+ through sponsorships, underwriting, tickets, live and silent auctions, a wine and spirits pull, and the Sips and Sparkles champagne wall, where attendees played for a chance to win a one-carat diamond donated by Sue Gragg Precious Jewels. Funds raised support the Foundation’s work providing mental health education, resources and support to North Texas youth and their families.
At the Welcome Reception, DJ RomiQ spun lively music to create a party atmosphere. Attendees sipped beverages and visited with friends, all while perusing and bidding on more than 250 silent auction items. The Platinum and Ruby Sponsors and VIPs were invited to the VIP Lounge to enjoy small bites and a private bar, underwritten by Martha and Hon. Douglas Lang.
The ballroom featured Bordeaux red accents and beautiful floral creations by Floral and Décor Underwriter, CONCEPTO. The stage was draped in dramatic red draping thanks to PARTY! Dallasand Todd Fiscus.
The emcees were Emmy-winning local TV personalities Steve Noviello from Fox 4 and Jenny Anchondo from CW33. Event co-chairs were Karla Noone, who volunteered on the 2024 event committee, and Reed Robertson, who co-chaired the 2024 Hope Party.
Robertson thanked Christopher Barkley Foundation for being the presenting sponsor for the third year in a row. “You never know whose life you might be changing by simply standing shoulder to shoulder with them and helping to build a better, more inclusive cornerstone for tomorrow, one veil lifted at a time.”
Noone told about her involvement with youth mental health, especially through Hope Squad, where her two sons are both members. “Grant Halliburton Foundation’s programs equip students not only to recognize the signs of struggle sooner; they teach them to speak up earlier and to support each other without fear.”
Rev. Doyle Dietz Allen gave the invocation. Evan Knight then played the saxophone while guests enjoyed their dinner.
After a mission video, Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation president, spoke about the collaborations with other groups to reach even more youth with life-saving mental health programs. He also told how the Foundation assembled trauma and grief resources during the devastating Texas Hill Country floods through its Here For Texas mental health provider network.
Amy Halliburton McCloskey, Grant’s sister and Grant Halliburton Foundation co-founder, said, “While we are still heartbroken, we also feel immense gratitude for Grant’s life and for the enduring mission of this Foundation that has helped so many families and saved so many lives. Every call answered, every person educated, and every life saved renews our dedication to this critical mission.”
Auctioneer Jake Addams conducted the live auction featuring sports suites, travel destinations and a concert. The most popular item was the private home in San Miguel, which fetched top dollar and sold to three different people, thanks to the donor. The fundraising concluded with the paddle raise where generous donors contributed to the Foundation.
AURA played while guests danced and socialized. After the event concluded, some stayed for The Encore After Party featuring DJ Lucy Wrubel, presented by Sagefield Capital, where the party continued.
Special thanks to these generous sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor (Presenting): Christopher Barkley Foundation
Ruby: Alexander Family G3 Giving Fund, Khaite, Lockton, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Maria and Jock Stafford
Emerald: Shelley and Jeff Becker, Jennfer and Tom Karol, Sloan and Tyler Milton, Nancy and Mitchell Spector, Tom Ford
Additional sponsors and underwriters: https://www.granthalliburton.org/hopeparty
Learn more about the Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org
(photo credit: Simon Luna Photography)