Steve Burns, best known as the original host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” is the featured speaker at Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 17th Annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Burns will present “The Cost of Showing Up Happy: Burnout and the Wisdom of Asking for Help.”
Steve Burns, original host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” and 2026 Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon featured speaker
The 2026 luncheon, co-chaired by Amy and Michael Roseman and Meredith and David Camp, is the first fundraising event of Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year. The founding luncheon chair is Barb Farmer.
As the implacably happy, beloved host of “Blue’s Clues,” Steve Burns was the guy who sang, danced and cheerfully bolstered children’s self-esteem. What most don’t know is that he was doing so with undiagnosed severe clinical depression. Burns will discuss the cost of forcing joy and maintain peak-level achievement while being completely burned out at the same time.
Burns will share lessons from his own struggles as “the happiest depressed person in North America” and how he has learned to apply the messages he shared with an entire generation.
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.
“Steve helped shape how generations of children learned about curiosity, kindness, and problem-solving,” Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said. “We’re honored to hear his honest story and how those same values continue to guide his approach to mental health today.”
Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to nearly 375,000 students, educators, parents and professionals, thanks to funds raised from the Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon.
Amy and Michael Roseman, 2026 Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon co-chairs
David and Meredith Camp, 2026 Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon co-chairs
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Texas youth ages 10-24, accorsing to the Centers for Disease Control. 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.
To learn more and to purchase a sponsorship or underwriting opportunity, visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.
By T.J. Griffin
Vice President of Communications