Grant Halliburton Foundation held its 15th annual Hope Party on November 22 at The Statler in downtown Dallas. More than 530 supporters attended the organization’s fundraiser, which raised a record-breaking $570,000 through sponsorships, tickets, live and silent auctions and a wine and spirits pull. Proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s work providing mental health education, resources and support to North Texas youth and their families.

The evening began with a welcome reception underwritten by Texas Capital where guests sipped on cocktails and bid on silent auction items. They also purchased a chance at the popular wine and spirits pull and posed at the photo booth underwritten by Sewell. The event’s top sponsors were invited to the VIP Lounge to enjoy small bites and a private bar, underwritten by Jennifer and Tom Karol.

The program started with an electrifying performance by Clover the Violinist, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Guests were welcomed into an elegantly decorated ballroom adorned with beautifully curated floral arrangements provided by Décor and Floral Underwriter Concepto. 

Jenny Anchondo, CW 33 news anchor and host, served as this year’s emcee and welcomed guests. The 2024 co-chairs included Danielle Hunter, Steve Noviello and Reed Robertson.  

“You have the power to change the trajectory of someone’s life by giving hope,” Noviello, a Grant Halliburton Foundation board member, said. “So, give generously because I want you to remember this: before Grant Halliburton was a foundation, he was a teenage boy who needed hope.”

“Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, the Christopher Barkley Foundation. Your unwavering support for the past two years in a row means the world to us,” Robertson said. “And a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors—at every level. You are the backbone of tonight’s success. I also want to recognize our inaugural retail sponsors. Your unwavering support further proves that retail has the biggest heart.”

Hunter told her personal story of her family dealing with mental health.

“I wish the resources that Grant Halliburton Foundation provides to families had been available to our family,” Hunter said. “I truly believe that the organization can save lives and break cycles, transforming generations.”

Father Nate Bostain, head chaplain at the Episcopal School of Dallas, gave the invocation. Then, everyone enjoyed dinner while listening to Clover the Violinist play.

Following dinner, Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation president, gave his remarks.

“Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, who took his life when he was 19,” Hall said. “This month marks the 19th anniversary of his passing, and his mom, Vanita, recently reached out to our staff with a heartfelt message. She said, ‘Grant has now been gone for as many years as he was here. I appreciate so much the work we are all doing to pull people back from the edge.’”

Amy McCloskey, Foundation co-founder, spoke next.

“Grant Halliburton Foundation was born out of the pain of losing a son and my brother, but it is fueled by the desire to save others from such devastating loss,” McCloskey said. “We set out to help other families connect the dots and find the resources their loved ones so desperately need. I hope you leave here tonight with a renewed sense of urgency to get involved, to give where you can, to find what is yours to do in this work.”

The live auction raised $75,000 with luxury vacations to Tulum, Sonoma and Aspen; a Chef Kent Rathburn culinary experience; a luxury Dallas staycation and Highland Park Village shopping spree; an American Airlines suite for a Dallas Mavericks or Dallas Stars game; and an AURA band performance.

The final live auction item surprised guests as the Halliburton family donated a piece of Grant Halliburton’s artwork, “Haute Contour,” to the auction fetching $14,000.

Following the Raise Hope fund-a-need, which raised more than $140,000, the auction concluded, and people hit the dance floor dancing to the music of AURA by Scott Michaels.  

Guests were treated to warm mini donuts on their way out while waiting for valet, underwritten by Mindful Health.

A special thanks to the 2024 Hope Party sponsors and underwriters :

Platinum Sponsor: Christopher Barkley Foundation

 Ruby Sponsors: Kirkland & Elis, Khaite, Lockton, Maria and Jock Stafford, Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Emerald Sponsors:  Shelley and Jeff Becker, Karen and Mark Carney/Judy and Perch Nelson, The Hirsch Family Foundation, Danielle Hunter and Shane Sealy, Kimberly Kimbriel, Natalie and Duwayne Miller, Carolyn and Karl Rathjen and Tom Ford

Sapphire Sponsor: Diane Blumin, Jess Bass Bolander and Laura McCallan, Doug Bedner and Steve Noviello/T.J. Griffin and Reed Roberton, Matthew Gobay, Karen Goetting, Sharon and Kevin Hall, Paige and Brian Lauten, Leigh and Scott Parks, Brandy and Jon Ricketts, Marcia Simpson and Keith Gruenberg, Lynn and Kevin Wisdom, Lucy and Don Witte, Berry Corporation, Caroline Herrera, Cohn Reznick, Eubank Hutson & Associates, Front Porch Marketing, Haynes Boone, Perkins Coie, Simkhai, Taylor Counseling Group, Tennyson Advisory Group and Vinson & Elkins

Young Professional: Campbell/Mitchell and Legacy Mutual Mortgage

Media Sponsor: PaperCity

EVENT UNDERWRITERS

Sponsor Gift: Blow Salon • Floral and Décor: Concepto • Patron Party: The Conservatory • VIP Lounge: Jennifer and Tom Karol • Late-Night Treat: Mindful Health • Photobooth: Sewell • Welcome Reception: Texas Capital • Table Gift: Renew Beauty

By T.J. Griffin
Senior Director of Communications