More than 500 supporters attended Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 14th annual Hope Party on November 17 at the Statler Hotel in downtown Dallas. Proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s work providing mental health education, resources and support to North Texas youth and their families.

Before the ballroom opened, guests sipped libations and noshed on hors d’oeuvres while bidding on silent auction items such as travel, sports memorabilia, exclusive dining experiences, jewelry and more.

Seen at the event were Chris Harrison, former “The Bachelor” host, and Lauren Zima, “Entertainment Tonight” host. Attendees took festive photos in the photo booth, thanks to Sewell Automotive Companies. Event co-chair Karen Goetting and her sister enjoyed catching up while visiting with guests. Event co-chair Camille Owens looked at the décor and was pleased that the ballroom to see the ballroom reminiscent of what the Statler Hotel was in its heyday. Décor included a gold and white theme with pops of purple and white feather centerpieces and flowers. The Statler was already decorated for the holidays, which added a special flair to the festivities.

The longest line was at the wine and spirits pull (the spirits pull was new this year!) where everyone was a winner. With a donation made to the Foundation, attendees selected a number that matched up to a bottle to take home.

Steve Noviello, Fox 4 News consumer reporter and news anchor, welcomed guests.

“Welcome to The Hope Party,” Noviello said. ”We like to say it’s the most fun you can have for a good cause, and I can promise you that’s true.”

Noviello introduced and thanked the 2023 Hope Party co-chairs, Karen Goetting and Camille Owens.

“Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Christopher Barkley Foundation and all the sponsors who contributed to this event’s success,” Goetting said. “We also need to recognize the co-founders of Grant Halliburton Foundation, Vanita Halliburton, Alan Halliburton and Amy Halliburton McCloskey. Through their loss, they have given back to North Texans in so many ways. They have given hope to those of us who have been touched by mental health struggles or suicide.”

The Hope Party co-chair Camille Owens reminded attendees why they were there: to raise funds for Grant Halliburton Foundation.

“We ask you to consider your blessings tonight as you also consider all the ways you can support the Foundation’s mission.” Owens said. “As you enjoy the delicious dinner, libations and dancing to the music of The Grooveline, remember to bid often and donate big!”

Rev. Matthew Ruffner of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church gave the invocation. Guests enjoyed dinner starting with a seasonal salad. The entrée was cabernet-braised short rib, garlic whipped potatoes and asparagus and carrot bundle. Dessert was the decadent dark chocolate espresso mousse cake and lemon curd cake.

After dinner service, Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation president, added his thanks to all the sponsors and attendees. He highlighted some of the Foundation’s impact this year:

“Our Hispanic outreach team kicked off our first Spanish-language Coffee Days group at Molina High School in South Dallas, and 20 grateful moms showed up.”

“The team is also making school presentations in Spanish for the first time in our history. So far this year, we have made nearly 20 presentations in Spanish to more than 300 students. And we have attended more than 50 Hispanic outreach events to let the community know we are here to help.”

“To date, we’ve trained more than 325,000 people on mental health and suicide prevention. We’ve grown our Thrive education strategy from 119 schools a year ago to over 170 today.”

“We have also grown Hope Squads from 49 squads a year ago to 89 today. We have an incredible partnership with The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation. Between our two organizations, we lead more than 200 Hope Squads across North Texas. Along with the Grace Loncar Foundation, we co-hosted the second annual Texas Hope Squad Conference last month with more than 1,500 attendees.”

Whatever you give will help Grant Halliburton Foundation move forward as we work to keep young people happy, healthy, and here.”

After the live auction, attendees danced the night away to the music of The Grooveline. As guests left the event, they were treated to fresh, hot fried donuts while waiting on valet.

A special thanks to the 2023 Hope Party sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Christopher Barkley Foundation

Emerald Sponsor: Shelley and Jeff Becker in memory of Alec Becker; Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima, Next Chapter Productions; Lyda Philanthropies; Natalie and Duwayne Miller; Camille and Patrick Owens, Kim and Scot Wylie; Phoenix American Hospitality; Amber and Dax Seale.

Sapphire Sponsor: Diane Blumin, Diane and Sanford Brown, Clark Hill, CohnReznick LLP, Jeanie and Bert Conly / Ann and Dewain Hill, Front Porch Marketing, Matt Gabay, The Gloria J. González Memorial Scholarship Fund, Karen Goetting, Greenhouse Treatment Center, Sharon and Kevin Hall, Haynes and Boone, Keith Hutson, The Integer Group, Julie and Kregg Jodie, David and Brigitte Kimichik Douglas Lang, Maxxsure / Mind VR, Steel Roots Ventures, Taylor Counseling Group, T-Fast Supply and Wisdom Media

Young Professional: Anonymous, Kendall and Luke Cagle, Emily Clark and Steven Lilley, Lux Skin Lab and Beauty Bar, Meredith and Andy Pendleton and Tucker’s Friends

Photobooth Sponsor: Sewell Automotive Companies

Media sponsor: PaperCity

Gift sponsor: Blow Salon

By T.J. Griffin
Senior Director of Communications