Karla Noone and Reed Robertson, 2025 Hope Party Co-chairs
Grant Halliburton Foundation held its 16th Annual Hope Party on Friday, Nov. 21, at The Statler in downtown Dallas. More than 530 supporters attended the organization’s signature fundraiser, which raised more than $620,000—a record-breaking total—through sponsorships, underwriting, ticket sales, live and silent auctions, a wine and spirits pull, and the Sips and Sparkles champagne wall, where guests played for a chance to win a one-carat diamond donated by Sue Gragg Precious Jewels.
Funds raised support the Foundation’s work providing mental health education, resources, and support to North Texas youth and their families.
At the Welcome Reception, where DJ RomiQ spun lively tunes, guests sipped beverages and visited with friends while browsing and bidding on more than 250 silent auction items. Platinum and Ruby Sponsors and VIPs were invited to the VIP Lounge to enjoy small bites and a private bar, generously underwritten by Martha and Hon. Douglas Lang.
Steve Noviello of Fox 4 and Jenny Anchondo of CW33 served as co-hosts.
As guests entered the grand ballroom, they were captivated by the Bordeaux-red accents and the exquisite floral creations by Floral and Décor Underwriter, CONCEPTO. The stage featured dramatic red draping courtesy of PARTY! Dallas and Todd Fiscus.
Shauna Barnes, Rebekah Gilbert, and Amy McCloskey pose at the Sips and Sparkles wall. Later that evening, Gilbert took home the 1-carat diamond.
Emcees for the evening were Emmy-winning local TV personalities Steve Noviello of Fox 4 and Jenny Anchondo of CW33. Event co-chairs were Karla Noone, a returning volunteer from the 2024 event committee, and Reed Robertson, who co-chaired the 2024 Hope Party.
During the program, Robertson thanked the Christopher Barkley Foundation for serving as presenting sponsor for the third consecutive year. Noone followed by expressing gratitude to the many sponsors and attendees for their generous support.
“You never know whose life you might be changing by simply standing shoulder to shoulder with them and helping to build a better, more inclusive cornerstone for tomorrow, one veil lifted at a time,” Robertson said.
Noone also spoke about her personal connection to youth mental health, sharing that both of her sons are members of Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program implemented in schools across North Texas.
“Grant Halliburton Foundation’s programs equip students not only to recognize the signs of struggle sooner; they teach them to speak up earlier and to support each other without fear,” she said.
Following the co-chairs’ remarks, Rev. Doyle Dietz Allen delivered the invocation. Guests then enjoyed dinner accompanied by a saxophone performance by Evan Knight.
Auctioneer Jake Addams
Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation President, spoke about the organization’s growing collaborations to reach even more youth with life-saving mental health programs. These partnerships include Region 10 ESC (DISD), YMCA of Greater Dallas, Momentous Institute, Metrocare, and UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth. He also described how the Foundation mobilized trauma and grief resources during the devastating Texas Hill Country floods through its Here For Texas network of mental health providers.
Building on Hall’s message of collaboration and legacy, Grant’s sister and co-founder Amy Halliburton McCloskey underscored the mission with a heartfelt reflection.
“We’re humbled by Grant’s legacy that continues to save lives, all because of a bright soul who loved life and people, and his family who wanted to save others from the tragedy of a similar loss,” she said.
McCloskey’s words set the stage for the live auction and Raise Hope paddle raise that followed.
DJ Lucy Wrubel keeps the crowd dancing at The Encore After Party.
Auctioneer Jake Addams conducted the live auction, featuring sports suites, travel destinations, and a private concert. The most sought-after item—a private home in San Miguel—sold to three different bidders, thanks to the generosity of the donor.
Guests then filled the dance floor as AURA performed, and many stayed afterward for The Encore Afterparty—presented by Sagefield Capital—where DJ Lucy Wrubel kept the celebration going late into the night.
By T.J. Griffin
Vice President of Communications
