Grant Halliburton Foundation hosted its 17th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on Friday, March 13 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, kicking off the organization’s 20th anniversary year. More than 500 guests gathered in support of the Foundation’s mission, helping to raise $335,000 for youth mental health and suicide prevention programs across North Texas.

The event featured keynote speaker Steve Burns, best known as the original host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” along with remarks from Foundation leaders and Co-chairs Meredith and David Camp and Amy and Michael Roseman.

Ahead of the program, DJ Lucy Wrubel set an upbeat tone at the Welcome Reception, where attendees enjoyed champagne and sparkling water from a 20th anniversary-themed champagne wall. Over coffee from Another Sunrise Coffee Company, guests connected and recorded messages of hope at the Hope Hotline telephone booth, an installation marking the Foundation’s milestone year.

Another activation featured an oversized “Blue’s Clues”-inspired purple mailbox inviting attendees to take an encouraging letter of hope. Guests also stopped at a 20th anniversary photo wall and browsed raffle packages that included luxury travel, high-end shopping experiences, sporting events and more.

The luncheon opened with the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy Singers performing “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway musical “Rent.”

Steve Noviello, FOX 4 News host, welcomed guests, followed by an invocation from Cantor Vicky Glikin, senior cantor at Temple Emanu-El. Guests then enjoyed lunch while connecting with fellow supporters.

TheRosemans thanked sponsors, donors, committee members and volunteers, along with Founding Luncheon Chair Barb Farmer.

TheCamps then presented the 2026 Vanita Halliburton Beacon Award to Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, founder of No More Victims and executive director of the Phillips Foundation.

Phillips was recognized for her advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse and for leading the passage of Trey’s Law in Texas and Missouri, which prohibits the misuse of nondisclosure agreements against survivors, in memory of her late brother, Trey Carlock, who died by suicide.

“We refuse to let the end of their story be the whole story,” Carlock Phillips said. “We invite joy and sorrow to coexist. Keep fighting for the unseen and the hurting.”

Following a mission video, Foundation President Kevin Hall reflected on the organization’s 20 years of impact.

“As the video showed, the story of Grant Halliburton Foundation is the story of a community that has shown up over the past 20 years to make sure young people know they are not alone,” Hall said. “The Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents and professionals with life-saving mental health and suicide prevention training because of you.”

Amy McCloskey, co-founder of the Foundation and Grant Halliburton’s sister, spoke about the organization’s ongoing work.

“Because of this community, there are young people who are alive and well today who might not have been otherwise,” McCloskey said. “Continue this legacy with us by bringing help, hope and peace of mind to young people and their families.”

David shared how he and his wife became involved after five friends lost children within five years and encouraged attendees to connect with young people in their lives.

“I realized it only takes five minutes to start a conversation that could change the trajectory of a struggling youth’s future,” he said.

David and Michael led the paddle raise, joined on stage by Amy Roseman and Meredith.

Burns delivered a personal message about his experience with depression during his talk, “The Cost of Showing Up Happy: Burnout and the Wisdom of Asking for Help.”

He now shares his story as a speaker, podcast host, musician and actor, continuing conversations about mental health with audiences of all ages.

“What made the show work was the idea that I needed [help from] the home viewer,” Burns said. “‘Will you help me?’ I would ask [on the show]. It’s OK to ask for help. Make asking for help seem ordinary.”

Burns said that while he appeared joyful to millions of “Blue’s Clues” viewers, he was living with undiagnosed depression.

Burns’ experience reflects the challenges many young people face, a focus of the Foundation’s work as it marks its 20th anniversary year and continues expanding youth mental health education and resources across North Texas.

That focus was echoed earlier in the program.

“Because the future we are working toward is one where young people feel safe asking for help, where parents know what to look for and where to turn, and where suicide prevention is proactive, not reactive,” Hall said.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation: Celebrating 20 years of hope and impact, Grant Halliburton Foundation was founded in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder before his suicide death at age 19. Over the past two decades, the Foundation has provided mental health education, resources, and support to more than 375,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals. The Foundation also offers help through HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community resources provide North Texans with easy access to trusted information and support for mental health and substance use. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.

Photos: Simon Luna Studios 

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s inaugural Winds and Winds Mahjong Tournament proved to be a winning hand, surpassing expectations and raising more than double its projected fundraising goal. The vibrant energy, thoughtful planning, and strong leadership of this year’s team transformed the evening into a remarkable success.

Held March 5 in a private country club setting, the evening combined spirited mahjong competition with lively socializing in support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s community and engagement programs. Tables for foursomes were dressed in colorful linens throughout the room, creating a festive setting for the enthusiastic players.

Hostesses came ready for play, bringing the 2025 National Mah Jongg League card—known to players as “The Big Card”—along with full mahjong sets and mats for each table.

Guests were greeted upon arrival with chilled sake and a refreshing grapefruit cocktail while enjoying sushi rolls that set a celebratory tone for the evening.

Event co-chairs Chelsea Hargrave, Kelly Ongena, and Claire Busch welcomed the crowd and introduced Dallas Symphony Orchestra League President Claire Catrino, who shared the inspiration behind the event. In addition to friendly competition and an evening of fun, the tournament served as a creative fundraiser that also introduced many new guests to the League’s mission and its support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

A buffet of Chinese favorites followed, including egg rolls, fried shrimp, and chicken served in classic Chinese takeout containers with chopsticks—an imaginative thematic touch that delighted guests.

Among those attending were Anne Stodghill, Katy Bock, Tracy Lange, Claudia Conrad, Jennifer Cardwell, Anne Hendrix, Angie Bullard, Melissa Pogue, Lauren Isom, Joanna Clarke, and Ashley Gawley, along with several mothers of the 2026 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutantes, including Kathryn Rader and Jen Siguenza.

Raffle tickets added to the evening’s fundraising total, with prizes generously provided by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Eiseman Jewels, Chelsea Hargrave Interiors, and The Charleston Club.

A DJ kept the atmosphere lively throughout the night as tiles clicked, laughter filled the room, and players focused on building winning hands.

Event sponsors included Hawkins-Welwood Homes, Claire Catrino, Bru Juracek, Nancy Labadie, TT Ranch Group, and Compass School of Texas.

Photos by Chuck Clark Photography

There is so much to explore in Texas. With cultural landmarks, natural landscapes, and great weather, there is always something new to experience. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a scenic drive, there are plenty of exciting destinations just a short distance from Frisco and Prosper. When you live at The Links on PGA Parkway, you are perfectly positioned to experience it all.

Day Trips and Local Adventures

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Just a short drive from Frisco, this 200-acre preserve offers a peaceful escape into nature. With miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas, it is a great place to spend time outdoors. In the spring, blooming wildflowers make it especially beautiful and perfect for a relaxing day outside.

Historic Downtown McKinney
Explore one of Texas’ oldest and most charming downtown areas. Historic Downtown McKinney is filled with boutique shops, cozy coffee houses, and locally loved restaurants. Walking through the streets feels like stepping back in time, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.

Lake Lewisville
For those who enjoy being on the water, Lake Lewisville is a go-to destination. Spend the day fishing, kayaking, boating, or simply enjoying a lakeside picnic. Located just about 30 minutes from Frisco, it is an easy and refreshing escape from the city.

Weekend Getaways Worth the Drive

Waco – Magnolia Market & Cameron Park
Waco offers a great mix of shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. Start your visit at Magnolia Market for home decor inspiration and a lively atmosphere, then head to Cameron Park to explore scenic trails and take in views of the Brazos River. It is a well-rounded destination that offers something for everyone.

Fredericksburg – Texas Wine Country
If you are looking for a more relaxed getaway, Fredericksburg is the perfect choice. Known for its beautiful vineyards, charming shops, and excellent restaurants, it is a great place to unwind. Spend your time learning about the winemaking process, enjoying tastings, and exploring the scenic Hill Country.

Life at The Links on PGA Parkway

Living at The Links on PGA Parkway means more than just having a beautiful place to call home. It means having access to some of the best destinations in North Texas and beyond, all within a convenient drive. Whether you are heading out for a quick morning hike, a spontaneous afternoon exploring nearby towns, or a full weekend getaway, everything is within reach.

With its prime location in Frisco, The Links makes it easy to enjoy both everyday convenience and weekend adventure. Pack your bags, plan your route, and make the most of living in a place that keeps you connected to everything Texas has to offer.

Families looking for a unique way to celebrate Easter weekend can step back in time when Scarborough Renaissance Festival opens its 45th season April 4 and 5, 2026, with festive holiday traditions, immersive entertainment and a full day of family-friendly adventure.

Easter weekend visitors can enjoy an Easter Egg Stroll for children, a Renaissance-style Easter service on Sunday and the festive return of Scarborough’s beloved characters as the Village gates open for the milestone season.

Set within a 35-acre recreation of an English village celebrating the 1545 visit of King Henry VIII and Queen Katheryn Parr, the festival blends history, pageantry and playful fantasy with strolling performers, artisan shoppes, human-powered rides and dozens of live performances.

Opening Weekend Easter Activities

With Easter falling on Opening Weekend this year, the festival offers families a unique way to celebrate the holiday with a blend of festive traditions and Renaissance charm. Children can participate in the Easter Egg Stroll, a playful twist on a classic holiday activity held Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Maypole. Designed for children ages 12 and under, the lighthearted event invites young guests to join village characters for a whimsical egg-on-the-spoon stroll around the Maypole. No registration is required.

On Sunday, April 5, at noon, guests of all ages are invited to attend the Renaissance Easter Service at the Crown Meadow Stage. The abbreviated Anglican-style gathering celebrates the renewal of the season through prayer, music and a message of hope, offering families a meaningful moment of reflection within the festival’s lively village setting.

Families can also take advantage of Kids’ Free Weekend, when children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult, with up to three children admitted free per adult. Children age 4 and under are always admitted free, making Opening Weekend an especially inviting opportunity for families to celebrate spring and begin the festival season together.

Family-Friendly Experiences

Recently voted the No. 1 Renaissance Festival in the Southeast Region at the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards and ranked No. 2 in the nation for family-friendly programming, Scarborough Renaissance Festival offers a wide range of experiences designed especially for children and families.

One of the most memorable traditions for young visitors is the Knighting Ceremony, where children are presented before the Royal Court and recognized for acts of courage and kindness. Each participant receives a commemorative seal naming them a Knight of the Realm or Lady of the Court, creating a lasting keepsake of their visit.

The Mermaid Lagoon invites guests to meet live mermaids in an enchanting tropical setting and interact with these mythical sea creatures during scheduled appearances throughout the day.

Animal lovers will enjoy the Birds of Prey Show, presented by Last Chance Forever Birds of Prey Conservancy. During the interactive presentation, hawks, falcons and other majestic raptors soar overhead while audiences learn about wildlife conservation and the important role these birds play in the natural world.

Young guests are often delighted by Opal the Fairy, a whimsical fae character who spreads joy through bubbles, playful gestures and sparkly surprises that leave children wide-eyed with wonder.

Across the Village stages, families can experience dozens of performances filled with comedy, adventure and daring stunts. The Nature of Mercy Pirates brings swashbuckling sword fighting comedy to the stage with a lively storyline that invites children to become heroes of the adventure. Harmless Danger Juggling combines outrageous humor with impressive juggling stunts and audience participation.

Guests can also enjoy the wildly entertaining Cirque du Sewer, which features trained rescue cats and rats navigating obstacle courses while performing acrobatic feats that have earned national television appearances. The high-energy Kamikaze Fireflies deliver a fast-paced spectacle of fire tricks, acrobatics and rare circus skills, including the giant German Wheel.

Animals, Attractions and Village Adventures

The Royal Menagerie gives children the opportunity to interact with animals such as goats, sheep, pigs and several exotic species. The Mythical Monster Museum offers a walk-through adventure filled with fantastical creatures from dragons to trolls, providing an imaginative experience for guests of all ages.

Each afternoon, villagers, nobles, artisans and performers gather for the Grande Parade, which winds through the Village in a colorful procession before concluding with royal proclamations.

Visitors can test their skills at Renaissance-style games such as archery and crossbow, enjoy treasure mining and explore a variety of human-powered rides including the Dragon Swings, Crow’s Nest and Carousello, preserving the festival’s old-world authenticity.

New Attractions for the 45th Season

New experiences and returning favorites make the 45th season one of the most exciting in the festival’s history.

Guests will witness thrilling armored combat in the new Joust Arena, where knights in shining armor charge on horseback in dramatic tournament battles inspired by historical competitions of the late medieval and Renaissance periods.

Visitors seeking adventure can explore The King’s Dungeon, a new immersive walk-through attraction that reveals the harsh realities of Renaissance-era justice through interactive displays and storytelling.

Also reopening this season is Scarborough Castle: Hauntings of Yore, a self-guided attraction that invites brave guests to wander the castle halls while discovering the eerie legends and ghostly tales said to linger within its ancient walls.

The festival also features a special engagement by viral performer Jacques Ze Whipper, a second-generation Renaissance and circus entertainer who has attracted millions of followers online with his daring whip artistry and charismatic performances.

Artisan Marketplace and Entertainment

Throughout the Village, more than 200 artisan shoppes offer handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, pottery, fine art, clothing and unique Renaissance treasures. Dozens of stages and street performers fill the lanes with music, comedy, swordplay and acrobatics, ensuring there is always something new to discover around every corner.

Tickets and Visitor Information

Tickets are available at SRFestival.com. Admission is $34 for Adults (ages 13+) and $15 for Kids (ages 5–12) plus taxes and fees. Children 4 and under are always admitted free. Some activities, games and rides require an additional fee. Parking is free.

Friends of Faire memberships, Season Passes and Weekend Passes are also available for guests who want to return again and again. Advance discounts will be available at North Texas Tom Thumb and Albertsons beginning March 28. Military and Senior discounts are available at the gate with valid ID.

Women from across North Texas gathered at the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center for the 15th Annual Inspired Women Luncheon. The luncheon’s official theme, “Unmatched,” represented a mindset and commitment to challenge the status quo and embrace possibility, bolstering the belief that leading with confidence and decisive actions can lead to transformative change.

Keynote speaker Conni Reed, founder, CEO & chief creative officer of Consuela, shared the creative journey behind her values-driven company. Reed told the origin story of Consuela and how her artistic talent, paired with rugged authenticity, allowed her to turn her passion into a thriving nearly 20-year-old handbag business.

Headquartered in Austin, TX and Guanajuato, Mexico, Consuela operates on three guiding principles: Create Art, Support and Uplift Women, and Work in Mexico. Reed’s mission and enthusiasm closely aligned with the vision of the Women’s Alliance, reinforcing the event’s focus on believing boldly and acting decisively. 

As Women’s History Month begins, events like this serve as a reminder to celebrate the women who lead, mentor and inspire within the Park Place organization and in the community. Park Place recognizes the incredible women who continue to shape its culture of excellence and contribute to its success every day. 

Park Place Dealerships served as the event’s official luxury vehicle sponsor for the xx year in a row. Park Place Members Lexie Arzamendi, Sarah Celestial, and Josselyn Jimenez attended, taking part in networking opportunities, professional development sessions, and silent auctions.  

About Park Place Dealerships

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and employs more than 1,400 members. Park Place Dealership operates three collision centers, an auto auction, and nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. For more information, visitparkplace.com.