Drew Robinson,  former Major League Baseball player and current mental health advocate for the San Francisco Giants, will headline Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 16th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on Tuesday, March 25, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Joining him as moderator is Eric Nadel, voice of the Texas Rangers and mental health advocate.

In 2020, Robinson miraculously survived a suicide attempt, resulting in a new-found purpose of helping others and destigmatizing mental health. After playing 12 seasons of professional baseball, Drew retired following the 2021 season to pursue a full-time role as a mental health advocate, the first of its kind in MLB. Leveraging his tagline, Strength Isn’t Always Physical®, Robinson is dedicated to sharing his journey and showcasing vulnerability to prevent suicide and promote mental health care.

Robinson said, “With many youth and young adults facing mental health challenges, it’s important that these issues are openly discussed and addressed. While it’s not easy to share my story, I hope to empower those struggling to speak up, ask for support, and remind them that they are not alone. I’m thankful for Grant Halliburton Foundation’s critical work and honored to support such an important cause.”

The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon supports Grant Halliburton Foundation’s work to provide education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health. Event sponsorships and underwriting range from $600 to $25,000. Individual tickets go on sale in February for $250.To learn more and to purchase a sponsorship or underwriting opportunity, visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.

Chris and Brent Bolding are the 2025 Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon co-chairs. The luncheon vice chairs are Amy and Michael Roseman. The founding luncheon chair is Barb Farmer.

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said, “We invite you to join us for this important conversation with Drew Robinson, who will share his story of hope, recovery, and suicide prevention. Drew’s journey highlights the importance of vulnerability and knowing how to seek help for yourself or someone you love. Our moderator and friend, Eric Nadel, who has openly shared his mental health challenges, will guide this meaningful and impactful discussion.

Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to nearly 350,000 students, educators, parents and professionals, thanks to funds raised from the Beacon of Hope Luncheon.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Texas youth ages 10-24 (CDC). The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon aims to bring focus to the vital work needed to educate the North Texas community on adolescent mental health and suicide prevention. Through its work in North Texas schools and communities, Grant Halliburton Foundation aims to change this reality as it works to promote awareness and understanding of teen and young adult mental health and to prevent suicide.

About Drew Robinson: Robinson is a former Major League Baseball player, mental health advocate, and professional speaker. Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, Drew was drafted by the Texas Rangers out of high school and went on to play parts of 12 seasons with the Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants organizations. In 2020, Drew miraculously survived a suicide attempt resulting in a new-found purpose of helping others and destigmatizing mental health. 

Leveraging his tagline, Strength Isn’t Always Physical®, Drew is dedicated to sharing his journey and showcasing vulnerability to prevent suicide and promote mental health care.  Drew currently works in the mental health and wellness department with the San Francisco Giants where he advocates for player mental health and peer-to-peer support. Drew resides in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ellie. Follow Drew on Instagram @Drewrobbb.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation
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.

SPARK! Dallas has announced plans for its 10^th anniversary in 2025 with SPARKtacular, a spectacular fundraising event on May 1, 2025 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at a private Dallas residence. This unique and immersive evening experience is designed exclusively for adults (21 and older) with elements of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), delicious food, expertly crafted cocktails and live music. Event Co-Chairs are Nell and Shelby Bush & Carol and Sam Dalton. Honorary Chair is Sarah Losinger.

Nell Bush said, “SPARK! Dallas needs your support to help provide STEAM education to more students. Its mission is to ignite sparks of creativity and curiosity inherent in all children through its unique environment, combined with exciting programming that inspires minds, builds confidence and shapes the future of all children.”

Carol Dalton added, “SPARKtacular is a first ever event that you won't want to miss! We invite you to join us for an evening of fun with elements of surprise at every turn, while supporting an impactful nonprofit organization.”

Meg Bittner, SPARK! Dallas executive director, said, “We need your help to provide STEAM education to students and educators in historically underrepresented communities. To date, we have had 16,000 students attend field trips in 2024, and 60% of those come from 40 Title 1 schools. For many, it is often their first field trip to a hands-on-creative environment, so SPARKtacular will help us reach more of them.” 

Sponsorships, which range from $500 to $50,000, are available. Tickets will be for sale closer to the date, if available. More information can be found at https://sparkdallas.org/sparktacular/.

About SPARK! Dallas:

A nonprofit founded in 2010, SPARK! Dallas provides children from second grade to high school with a fully immersive creative environment with hands-on learning that develops their self-definition as creative individuals. Through an endless roster of workshops and pop-up activities, students exercise their creativity and learn from creative experts, innovators, and artists. The organization’s vision is to help students acquire creative skills to excel in school and compete in the workforce. SPARK! also hosts interactive camps, field trips and birthday parties. SPARK! is located in the historic South Side of Lamar building at 1409 Botham Jean Blvd, Ste 004, Dallas, Texas 75215. For more information, visit https://sparkdallas.org/ or call 214.421.7727.

DQ fans in Texas have a delicious reason to celebrate this winter! The Reese's Pieces Cookie Dough Blizzard® Treat, a decadent blend of creamy vanilla soft serve, Reese's Pieces candies, and rich cookie dough pieces, is now available at participating Dairy Queen® locations across Texas. But hurry – this fan-favorite Blizzard Treat is only available through the end of January.

The Reese's Pieces Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat is the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and chewy textures, delivering a one-of-a-kind dessert experience. Whether you’re sharing moments with friends, enjoying a family outing, or indulging in a solo treat, this limited-time offering is the ultimate way to make your winter moments even sweeter.

“We’re always looking for ways to surprise and delight our guests with innovative and delicious treats,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “The Reese's Pieces Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat is a must-try dessert for the season, and we’re excited to share it with Blizzard fans across the Lone Star State.”

In addition to this limited-time treat, DQ restaurants in Texas offer a wide range of delicious menu items, including classic favorites like the Hunger-Buster® burger, steak fingers, and tacos, all served with the signature Texas hospitality.

Don’t miss out on the Reese's Pieces Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat! Visit your nearest Dairy Queen restaurant in Texas today to enjoy this irresistible winter treat before it’s gone.

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 
There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. 

During a time when cowboy culture is more than just a trend but a movement, one of the greatest classic Westerns of the last century – Shane – finds new life as it makes its Texas debut Jan. 31 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater (3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, 75204). Presented by Dallas Theater Center, the western drama – which runs through Feb. 16 – tells the story of Shane, a mysterious ex-gunfighter with a dangerous past who finds kinship with a family and helps protect their farm in 1889 Wyoming.

Written by acclaimed Mexican American playwright Karen Zacarias – whose heritage played into her inspiration for the play – Shane is based on the 1949 novel by Jack Schaefer that was adapted for the screen in 1953. The play gets reimagined with a new perspective that stems from Zacarias’ personal interpretation of the novel she first read as a young girl. Their story sheds light on the allure, mythos, and values of the Wild West – a chapter in history that still has many tales to tell.

"I read the book Shane when I was in elementary school; I 'd just moved here from Mexico,” said Zacarias. “The story captured my imagination immediately. I identified with the characters and their search for a future home in this vast country. This adaptation of Shane is a testament to the historically real, complicated, and diverse nature of the American West – and the roots that we all share."

Recognizing that one of three cowboys who settled the American West were men and women of color – African American, Native American, or of Mexican descent – Zacarias brings an exciting new dimension to the story. She envisioned Shane as a descendant of enslaved people with the central characters, the Starrett family, as Latino.

Shane is directed by Blake Robison (Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), who has deep ties to the play. A long-time friend who has collaborated extensively with Zacarias, Robison not only urged her to write the play but he went on to direct the world debut.

“Shane celebrates and enriches the Western genre by bringing cultural authenticity to the story's characters,” said Robison. “It's 1889 Wyoming, and it looks like the real West. Plus, it's got all the classic elements – a mysterious hero, a greedy villain, a bar brawl, a tense final shootout. This stage version of Shane makes the western relevant again.”

The play’s themes include explorations of masculinity, the struggle for power and wealth, the role of violence the service of justice and the cost to the person called upon to use violence for the greater good.

Set in 1889, Shane, an enigmatic stranger, rides into the heart of Wyoming’s cattle country. He is instantly idolized by the young Bob Starrett, whose settler parents welcome him into their home and put him to work on their farm, where Shane discovers the family he never had. Meanwhile, hostility grows between the ruthless rancher Fletcher and the settlers starting their farms. When Fletcher plans to squeeze them out, Shane’s dangerous ways resurface as he fights to save the Starretts from ruin.

The cast of Shane includes: Nathan M. Ramsey (Shane), Blake Hackler (Joe Starrett), Bob Hess (Luke Fletcher), Tiffany Solano (Marian Starrett), Esteban Vilchez (Older Bob/Bobby Starrett), Zachary J. Willis (Chris Johnson), Jim Jorgensen (Ernie Wright and Stark Wilson), Stephanie Lauren Delgado (Winona Stephens), John Plumpis (Jake Ledyard and Sam Grafton), Logan Rhys Hallwas (Ensemble) and Victor Marcinkiewicz (Ensemble).

Dallas Theater Center has presented several of Zacarias’ plays in past years – Native Garden and The Book Club Play – receiving rave reviews from audiences who appreciate her ability to create compelling stories that feature nuanced, three-dimensional characters. The relationship with Zacarias reinforces Dallas Theater Center’s artistic mission to bring original works to North Texas audiences.

“Shane is one of the greatest and most loved classic Westerns,” said Kevin Moriarty, executive director of the Dallas Theater Center. "We are thrilled to bring it to life on stage in this Texas premiere and to welcome playwright Karen Zacarias back to Dallas Theater Center. Karen brings to each of her plays a wonderful theatricality, fast-paced storytelling, and complex characters. Audiences are going to love both the thrills and the emotional nuance of this production – brilliantly directed by Karen’s long-time collaborator Blake Robison – that features members of DTC’s Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company performing alongside a dynamic cast of actors from North Texas and across the country.”

Recommended for ages 11 and up, Shane contains cowboys, gun violence, and saloon showdowns. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. After each performance, the audience will be invited to participate in “Stay Late,” a brief post-show conversation between the audience and actors from the production.

During its run, as part of its education and community outreach efforts, Dallas Theater Center will host more than 500 Dallas ISD students through its Project Discovery program, providing them with tickets, transportation, pre-show workshops and post-show talkbacks.

Additionally, on Feb. 1, DTC’s “Saturday Session” will be co-taught by Zacarias and DTC’s Interim Artistic Director, Jonathan Norton. Offered year-round on the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m.-noon, “Saturday Sessions” are an opportunity for adults to participate in a two-hour Master Workshop focused on a different topic each month, taught by professional artists. Zacarias’ workshop, titled “Art Imitates Life: Writing from Experiences,” is available for purchase for $25 on DTC’s website.

Tickets for Shane start at $40 and are on sale now. Free parking is available surrounding the Kalita Humphreys Theater. For details, showtimes and to purchase tickets, please go to dallastheatercenter.org.

ABOUT DALLAS THEATER CENTER. Dallas Theater Center was founded in 1959 as one of the first regional theaters in the United States, located at the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kalita Humphreys Theater. Under the inaugural leadership of Paul Baker, Dallas Theater Center became one of the nation’s leading producers of experimental interpretations of classics and world premieres. Over the years, our innovative, dynamic programming has made a significant mark on the Dallas community as well as the American theater at large. From classic scripts to new plays, from epic to intimate, we strive to continue our tradition of providing a next-level experience to theater lovers worldwide.