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 kicked off 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.

Co-chairs included Danielle Hunter, Steve Noviello and Reed Robertson.  

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

Robertson added, “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. 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. 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, spoke. “Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, who took his life when he was 19. This month marks the 19^th 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. 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 & Ellis, 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 Robertson, 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, Carolina Herrera, CohnReznick, Eubank Hutson & Associates, Front Porch Marketing, Haynes Boone, Perkins Coie, Simkhai, Taylor Counseling Group, Tennyson Advisory Group and Vinson & Elkins

Young Professional Sponsors: Campbell/Mitchell and Legacy Mutual Mortgage

Media Sponsor: PaperCity

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

Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including education, conferences, collaboration and encouragement. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to more than 350,000 students, educators, parents and professionals. The Foundation also offers Here For Texas, which includes HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and addiction information and resources. Learn more about the Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org.

On Wednesday, November 13th, Embrace held their Child to Family Connection event at CityBridge Community Church. 

Embrace proudly serves foster and adoptive families licensed with any child placing agency, at-risk children and their caregivers, kinship care providers, and foster care alumni. The organization primarily focuses on Collin County but serves families across North Texas, including the Metroplex East region. EMPOWER is the Community-Based Care (CBC) contractor in Metroplex East region, a nine-county area in North Texas including Dallas, Grayson, Fannin, Collin, Hunt, Rockwall, Kaufman, Ellis and Navaro counties. 

The Child to Family Connection event offered an incredible opportunity to hear stories from over 30 children in the community who are awaiting adoption from foster care. Unlike traditional matching events, children did not attend the Child to Family Connection event. Instead, their stories were brought to life through carefully crafted portraits, videos, and personalized displays that showcase each child’s personality, interests, and aspirations. 

Adoption caseworkers and CASA volunteers were on-site to provide firsthand insights about each child. This event emphasized the stories of older children and teenagers aged 8 -17, with the majority being teenagers this year, as they await the chance to find their forever families.

Guests also had the unique opportunity to hear from a panel of adoptive parents and adult adoptees as they shared their personal journeys. Following the presentation, the child display and exhibit area was open, offering a closer look at the stories of children waiting to be adopted. For families interested in learning more about adopting a child from foster care, an informational session was held for those who are unlicensed.

Men of Nehemiah, a faith-based residential recovery program, will present two Christmas concerts this holiday season featuring a choir of men who are currently in recovery or are graduates of the program. The concerts are free and open to the public. Upcoming concerts include: 

Sunday, December 1 at 7 pm 

Park Cities Baptist Church 
3933 Northwest Parkway, Dallas 

Tuesday, December 17 at 7 pm 
121 Community Church  
2701 Ira E. Woods Ave, Grapevine 

“We believe in the power of worship” said Rand Carlson, Men of Nehemiah Director of Recovery and Worship. “These concerts are not just a celebration of the season but a testament to the resilience and transformation of the men in our program. We are honored to share their voices and stories with the community, spreading hope and joy through every song. Being a part of something that blesses the community also gives the men a sense of value, accomplishment, and purpose.” 

Some of the men came from successful careers and previously lived with their families in upscale neighborhoods. Others were living on the streets. Some were incarcerated prior to coming to Men of Nehemiah. Many have tried numerous recovery programs and relapsed.  

The Men of Nehemiah program helps each man deal with his addiction with the goal of reuniting a spiritually and mentally healthy man with his family and community. Men of Nehemiah uses a proven structure based on biblical discipleship, clinical counseling, and military discipline.  

In 1994, Pastor Louis Harrell, a former US Army Colonel, founded Men of Nehemiah in New Orleans to deliver his wayward son, Louis Harrell, Jr., from the grip of addiction. Louis Jr. relocated to North Texas, where he launched Men of Nehemiah in South Dallas with the help of Roger McCasland, President and CEO of Operation Relief Center. 

Today, Men of Nehemiah has helped more than 1,300 men find paths to recovery. Research compiled in 2022 affirmed that 61% of men who graduated from Men of Nehemiah prior to 2020 stayed sober for at least two years.  More information is available at menofnehemiah.org. 

The holiday season is fast approaching, bringing with it the warmth of cherished memories shared with loved ones. Omni PGA Frisco Resort invites families and friends to make their holiday unforgettable with a festive dining experience at Trick Rider, the acclaimed fine-dining destination located at the resort.

 From 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, guests can indulge in two holiday specials crafted to bring Christmas cheer straight to your table:  

• Prime Rib with Horseradish Crème, Jus ($80)
• Lasagna (White Truffle add-on optional) with an Oxtail Ragu, Mushroom Bechamel ($185)

Reservations are recommended and can be made at OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at 469-305-4610. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate a memorable Christmas Eve filled with delicious food, good company and holiday spirit at Omni PGA Frisco. 

Trick Rider is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. For additional information on the restaurant and its menus, visit pgafrisco.com/dine.

About PGA Frisco

PGA Frisco is a public/private partnership between the PGA of America, Omni Hotels & Resorts, the City of Frisco, and the Frisco Independent School District. The 660-acre campus is a unique destination that includes: two world-class 18-hole championship golf courses, collectively known as Fields Ranch, and a state-of-the-art clubhouse; the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, featuring 500 guest rooms and suites and 10 exclusive four-bedroom Ranch Houses, four pools, destination spa and 127,000 square feet of meeting and event space; the Monument Realty PGA District which features The Swing, a lighted 10-hole short course, The Dance Floor, a lighted 2-acre putting course and an expansive retail, dining and entertainment district, including an outdoor area for concerts and events, the high-tech, data-driven PGA Coaching Center; the Home of the PGA of America and the Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Golf House.

About Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Recently opened on May 2, 2023, Omni PGA Frisco Resort offers a reimagined destination resort experience for the ultimate getaway. With a wide selection of unique experiences and remarkable year-round programming and activities, the resort provides a diverse and fun-filled destination for guests of all ages. The oasis of the 660-acre PGA Frisco campus, this luxury resort is one of the world's leading meeting and conference destinations as well as a bucket list leisure escape featuring two championship golf courses at Fields Ranch designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling, a 2-acre putting course and a par-3, 10-hole short course. With comprehensive resort amenities featuring a full-service salon and spa, 13 restaurants and bars, and boutique retail shops - there's something designed for all. Featuring subtle nods to Texas culture, each of the resort's 500 guest rooms and suites and 10 exclusive four-bedroom modern-Texas ranch houses, offer sweeping views of lush surrounds. The resort features more than 127,000 sq. ft of indoor and outdoor space for meetings and events, including 2 ballrooms; 19 meeting rooms; 9 outdoor event venues; and Panther Creek Pavilion, the ideal venue for weddings. Visit omnipgafriscoresort.com or call 469-305-4500 for more information and room reservations. Follow Omni PGA Frisco Resort on Facebook and Instagram.

Celebrate the holidays in Addison, Texas, throughout the month of December with nearly three dozen different special events that will be offered for the very first time in the Town’s signature green space, Addison Circle Park. Called Rockin’ Around the Circle, the events run from Dec. 5-22, just in time for Santa to make his annual run.

The fun begins at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 with a very special lighting – but it’s not your typical Christmas tree lighting. The Addison Performing Arts Centre has an iconic two-story glass entry known as the Cake Topper. Come count down with family and friends at 5 p.m. as the Town lights up the Cake Topper, creating the perfect red and green backdrop for holiday photos. This magical moment will also include a Holly Jolly Bar, where guests can enjoy holiday caroling by Vocal Magic, light hors d’oeuvres and plenty of holiday cheer – including beer, wine and a few special holiday-themed cocktails.

Following the Cake Topper lighting is the season’s first performance of The Beulaville Baptist Book Club Presents: A Bur-Less-Q Nutcracker. In the play, the women of the Beulaville Baptist Book Club are in dire straits financially, and as a last-ditch attempt to save their book club, they decide to do a fundraiser performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” The ballet troupe gets food poisoning, and the group hires the Velvet Kittens Burlesque Dancers to do the performance – not knowing what “burlesque” means. The end result? The most original, unusual and comical Nutcracker you have ever seen! Performances begin Dec. 5 and run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 29. The play is meant for mature audiences.

That same evening, The Addison will host the first of three performances of Frozen Jr., based on the enchanting modern Disney classic about the powerful bond between sisters and discovering one’s hidden potential. The Arise Acting Studio show features all the memorable songs from the animated film, plus five new songs written for its Broadway production. The production continues at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-8.

At 6 p.m Friday, Dec. 6, the biggest event of the season happens: the Addison Circle Holiday Tree Lighting. Addison Circle Park will transform into a winter wonderland filled with holiday magic, featuring a performance by Emerald City All Stars, who will play a mix of holiday tunes and the high-energy hits for which they are known; cozy carriage rides and a special Holiday Wish Floating Lantern release into the Water Gardens that will set the night aglow. There will also be s’mores and hot cocoa stations plus photo ops with Santa Claus. Mayor Bruce Arfsten will be on hand to light the tree, which will feature lights that dance along to Christmas tunes including the classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Bring new and unwrapped adult socks, blankets, canned food and toys to donate to DART's Stuff a Bus.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, bring your pup to Addison Circle Park for Feliz Navi-Dog. Everyone loves FREE pictures with Santa ... even our furry friends! Save the date for a sweet holiday memory with your four-legged friend. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will also feature animal adoptions from Addison Animal Services, vendors selling animal accoutrements and FREE pup cups from Java & Hopps.  

Join Fernando the Artist for an evening of art, drinks and good company at The Addison at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 for a Holiday Sip & Paint. No artistic skills needed. Grab a drink from the bar and follow along with Fernando as he guides you through painting a picture of your choice. This event is perfect for a night out with friends and family. The event will repeat at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.

For those seeking to participate in their theater experience, on Friday, Dec. 13, The Addison is hosting the murder-mystery dinner Grandma Got Run Over by a What? During Christmas, the one time of year the entire Frostwood family gathers reluctantly together under the watchful eye of its' matriarch, Virginia. This year promises to be as full of poisoned tongues and backstabbing as any other – until the unthinkable happens: Someone has murdered Virginia Frostwood! Use your skills to determine whodunit in this lively Christmas mystery. The dinner-and-show event repeats on Dec. 14, 20 and 21.

On Sunday Dec. 15, head to The Addison for Festive Legends: Holidays Around the World. Keep your holiday spirits bright with help from the Plano Symphony Orchestra’s strings section and dancers from Pure Movement Dance in Allen. The troupes will take guests on a trip around the world in 45 minutes with holiday carols, traditions, dances and fun! This interactive program invites kids onstage to be part of the action and culminates in a Christmas sing-a-long for the whole family. Arrive early to earn a Plano Symphony fun patch and try out instruments at the Instrument Petting Zoo in the lobby one hour prior to the concert. Tickets are $17 for the 1 p.m. performance. Guests are invited to bring an item to donate to Metrocrest Services.

On Friday, Dec. 20, have a Groovy Christmas at The Addison. This immersive holiday show blurs the lines between performers and guests. A brand-new production from 6 o’Clock Dance Theatre artistic directors Jen Mabus and Zach Ingram, this special show will feature dance, music and vocal performances. And nothing is off limits for The Holiday Cheermeister, who is sure to make a special appearance! The event’s interactive format, and mix of traditional and nontraditional songs, all come together in a cohesive evening examining the essence of the holiday season — from gift-giving to time with (or without) loved ones. The show will also be performed Dec. 21-22.

Finally, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, stretch out your body in preparation for holiday feasts by doing some yoga – with goats dressed in Christmas sweaters. Get your GOGA on while pet goats graze and jump around (or on) you at this event in Addison Circle Park. Proceeds from this class directly benefit Goat Yoga Dallas’ animals and local nonprofit initiatives. Tickets are $20 for kids 5-12 and $32 for adults at Eventbrite.

But that’s not all the holiday magic Addison has to offer. Carriage rides through the Town’s Christmas lights are available every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. Cozy up and take in the festive sights and sounds as you glide through the beautifully decorated Addison Circle District. Perfect for creating warm holiday memories with loved ones, these carriage rides are a magical way to experience the district’s winter wonderland ambiance. Carriages can take up to nine guests; ticket prices depend on group size. See the ticketing website for details.

And the restaurants and businesses around Addison Circle are getting in on the holiday action as well. Several are offering specials and discounts through the holidays. See visitaddison.com/holidays to find out more.

ADDISON ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CIRCLE EVENTS

Events take place at Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle, or The Addison Performing Arts Centre, 15650 Addison Road.

Cake Topper Lighting

4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at The Addison

Free

visitaddison.com/event/cake-topper-lighting/97/

Frozen Jr.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 8 at The Addison

$21 students, $31 adults

visitaddison.com/event/frozen-jr/91/

Tree Lighting Ceremony

6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at Addison Circle Park

Free

visitaddison.com/event/addison-holiday-tree-lighting/84/

The Beulaville Baptist Book Club Presents: A Bur-Less-Q Nutcracker

8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays from Dec. 6-29 at The Addison

$29-$40

visitaddison.com/event/a-bur-less-q-nutcracker/20/

Feliz Navi-Dog

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Addison Circle Park

Free

visitaddison.com/event/feliz-navi-dog/92/

Holiday Sip & Paint

7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 and Thursday, Dec. 19 at The Addison

$40

visitaddison.com/event/holiday-sip-%26-paint/93/

Grandma Got Run Over By a What?

Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 13 through Dec. 21 at The Addison

$40

visitaddison.com/event/grandma-got-run-over-by-what%3f/96/

Festive Legends: Holidays Around the World

1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at The Addison

$17

visitaddison.com/event/festive-legends%3a-holidays-around-the-world/85/

Groovy Christmas

Friday Dec. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 22 at The Addison

$18

visitaddison.com/event/groovy-christmas/94/

Holiday Goat Yoga

10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 at Addison Circle Park

$20 kids 5-12, $32 adults

visitaddison.com/event/holiday-goat-yoga/88/

For information on all events in Addison, see VisitAddison.com.