With more than 500 filling The Statler Hilton’s ballroom on Friday, November 22, Grant Halliburton Foundation‘s 15th Annual Hope Party provided the kind of inspiration for both young people and their families and friends to face their challenges and take the right turn in the road for their lives. As Foundation Founder Amy McCloskey has said, “We offer hope to people when they need it most. If we can save just one life through our efforts, it will be worth it. Many lives have now been impacted—and saved—by the work of the Foundation. I believe Grant would be immensely proud of what we are doing in his memory.” Here’s a report from the field:
For its 15th annual Hope Party benefiting Grant Halliburton Foundation, Co-Chairs Danielle Hunter, Steve Noviello and Reed Robertson pulled in favors and all the stops to make the evening all about honoring the memory of Grant Halliburton and the work of the foundation named in his memory.
Held at The Statler on Friday, November 22, during the Welcome Reception underwritten by Texas Capital, guests sipped on cocktails and bid on silent auction items, including luxurious travel to exclusive dining experiences, sports packages, and lots of fashion finds. They also purchased a chance at the popular wine and spirits pull and posed at the photo booth underwritten by Sewell. The top sponsors were invited to the VIP Lounge to enjoy small bites and a private bar underwritten by Jennifer and Tom Karol.
As more than 530 attendees entered the ballroom, they were captivated by the electrifying performance of Clover the Violinist, who skillfully played along to today’s top music hits. From The Hope Party logo on the wall and the elegantly decorated room, the perfectly set tables featured enchanting floral creations by Décor and Floral Underwriter Concepto.
As the lights dimmed, the audience was drawn into the evening’s energy with a countdown video, followed by a dynamic show open set to “Ready to Go” by Republica.” The video, featuring highlights of the preparation leading up to The Hope Party, set the tone for an unforgettable night, energizing the crowd for what was to come.
CW news anchor/host Jenny Anchondo served as this year’s emcee as Noviello had been tapped as a co-chair.
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. Before Grant Halliburton was a foundation, he was a teenage boy who needed hope.”
Robertson added, “Thank you to our fabulous 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 of our sponsors—at every level. YOU are the backbone of tonight’s success. Your unwavering support is further proof retail people truly have the biggest hearts.”
Hunter told her personal story of her family dealing with mental health. “I wish that 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.”
Episcopal School of Dallas Head Chaplain Father Nate Bostain gave the invocation. Then, everyone had dinner while listening to Clover the Violinist play.
Following dinner, Grant Halliburton Foundation President Kevin Hall 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 19th anniversary of his passing, and his mom, Vanita, recently reached out to the 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.’”
Foundation Co-Founder Amy McCloskey 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, led by Luke Lang, 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 surprised guests as the Halliburton family donated Grant Halliburton’s artwork “Haute Contour” to the auction, fetching $14,000.
Following a paddle raise, which raised more than $140,500, 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.
* Photo provided by Grant Halliburton Foundation