Luncheon speaker Steve Burns, former host of “Blue’s Clues.”
Photo by Simon Luna Studios
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 lunchoen 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 coffee from Another Sunrise Coffee Company, while they viewed the raffle packages and recorded messages of hope at the Hope Hotline telephone booth, an installation marking the Foundation’s milestone year.
(L to R) David and Meredith Camp, Amy McCloskey, Kevin Hall, Vanita Halliburton, Steve Burns, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, Alan Halliburton, Amy and Michael Roseman, and Barb Farmer
Photo by Simon Luna Studios
The luncheon opened with the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy Singers performing “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway musical “Rent.”
The 2026 Vanita Halliburton Beacon Award was presented 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.”
Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, 2026 Vanita Halliburton Beacon Award recipient
Photo by Simon Luna Studios
Following the 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.”
Kevin Hall, President of Grant Halliburton Foundation
Photo by Simonn Luna Studios
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.”
By T.J. Griffin
Vice President of Communications
Photos by Simon Luna Studios