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Peter H. Coors II, Meredith Coors photo courtesy of Coors

Breakthrough T1D Dallas Chapter announces the 2026 Breakthrough T1D Dallas Luncheon, “One Step Closer,” on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 11:30 a.m. at Brook Hollow Golf Club. Emceed by Karen Borta, CBS news anchor and T1D mom, the luncheon will feature “A Candid Conversation” with Meredith Coors and her son, Peter Coors II, who was diagnosed with T1D at age 11. The conversation will offer a personal look at living with T1D, the advances that have transformed care and the continued need for research toward better treatments and cures.

Meredith Coors became involved with Breakthrough T1D after Peter’s diagnosis in 2014. Now a University of Notre Dame graduate, Peter recently moved to the Dallas area and works for Andrews Distributing. Since his diagnosis, Meredith and her husband, Peter, have been dedicated to raising funds for T1D research and a cure. Meredith joined the Mountain West Breakthrough T1D Board in 2017 and chaired the organization’s 2018 Colorado Gala. She joined Breakthrough T1D’s Global Mission Board in 2022 and is a member of the Stewardship Ambassador Initiative and Clinical Trial Education Volunteer Committee.

Luncheon Co-Chairs Lisa Singleton and Terry Van Willson, along with Honorary Chairs Tricia and Kenn George, invite the community to join them for this inspiring conversation and to learn more about the progress being made in T1D research and care, as well as the realities of living with the disease.

“Today, 2.1 million people are living with T1D,” said Lindsay Pittard, territory executive director for the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters of Breakthrough T1D. “Advances in technology have made daily life with T1D more manageable. Continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin delivery systems can track blood sugar levels in real time and deliver insulin more precisely, giving people with T1D more freedom to focus on school, work, family and the people they love. While tremendous progress has been made, there is still much more work to do to improve lives and ultimately find a cure.”

Co-Chair Lisa Singleton and her family quickly learned that T1D is a relentless autoimmune disease that requires constant management, every hour of every day, after their son was diagnosed in 2023 at the age of 13. In the process, they also discovered Breakthrough T1D and its community dedicated to changing that reality.

“Every dollar raised helps move us one step closer to better treatments and, ultimately, cures,” said Singleton. “This luncheon is an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of those living with T1D and the families who support them, while helping ensure that no one in our community has to navigate this disease alone.”

Sponsorships range from $3,000 for a table of 10 to $25,000; individual tickets are $300 each and may be purchased through the Breakthrough T1D Dallas Luncheon event page. For more information, contact Sasha Hayes at JHayes@BT1D.org or 214-764-6775.

Founded in 2013 by Kim and David Roosevelt and JoAnne and Tony Roosevelt, this celebrated annual event has raised more than $1.2 million for T1D research.

# # #

About Breakthrough T1D: Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy, and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Chapter, based in Dallas, hosts major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa and Oklahoma City as well as community walks in The Colony, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Durant, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. Visit https://www.breakthrought1d.org/dallasfortworth/, https://www.breakthrought1d.org/oklahoma/, email northtexasoklahoma@BreakthroughT1D.org, or call 214-373-9808.

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Mary Gauthier credit: David McClister

Nov. 19th concert, held under the stars in The Stewpot courtyard, will support mission to help those experiencing homelessness and hardship 

WHAT:

The Stewpot, a Dallas-based mission serving people experiencing hardship or homelessness, will host an intimate evening with Grammy-nominated Americana singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier under the stars in its South Dallas courtyard. The public event will feature live music and an opportunity for neighbors from all walks of life to gather on common ground in support of fellow community members.

WHO:

Known for personal, confessional songs including “Mercy Now” and “I Drink,” Mary Gauthier brings compassion and honesty to stories of struggle, connection and hope. Her album Rifles & Rosary Beads earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album, and artists including Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton and Jimmy Buffett have recorded her songs. Her new album Reckoning reflects her patient, private optimism.

 

WHEN & WHERE:

Thursday, Nov. 19, 5:30–9 p.m.

  • 5:30–7:30 – Doors open, food available for purchase
  • 7:30 p.m. – Concert starts

The Stewpot, 1610 S. Malcolm X Blvd, Dallas, TX 75226

VISUALS:

  • Outdoor community concert on The Stewpot campus, home to the organization’s food pantry, homeless services and other community outreach.
  • Live performance by Mary Gauthier (non-flash photography allowed)

TICKETS:

Tickets are $55 plus fees and available to the public at thestewpot.org/mary. Proceeds support The Stewpot’s mission to love and serve our neighbors so they can overcome homelessness and poverty. 

WHY IT MATTERS:

The Stewpot’s Common Ground gatherings bring people together through art, music and shared experiences. On Nov. 19, the courtyard will welcome longtime friends of The Stewpot, first-time visitors, and members of The Stewpot's own community for an evening of music and connection.

The Stewpot loves and serves our Dallas neighbors, helping them overcome homelessness and poverty. Founded more than 50 years ago as a mission of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas to feed people on the streets in downtown Dallas, The Stewpot has grown to provide comprehensive services and a community of support to people experiencing hardship and homelessness.

To learn more, visit thestewpot.org.

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Breakthrough T1D North Texas Area has announced Lindsay Pittard as its new territory executive director for the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters of Breakthrough T1D. 

With more than 20 years of nonprofit and community leadership experience, Pittard brings a strong track record of strategic leadership, territory management, fundraising, corporate partnerships and community engagement. Her career has centered on bringing people, organizations and resources together to advance mission-driven work and create meaningful community impact.

Most recently, Pittard served as Vice President of Operations & Strategy for the Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS), providing executive oversight across certifications, business development, community partnerships, events, programs and communications. She supervised key organizational initiatives including relationship cultivation of more than 80 corporations, 1,400 women-owned businesses and numerous community organizations, delivering more than 50 events annually.

Her career includes leadership experience with ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, where she developed extensive expertise in peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate engagement, community relations and nonprofit leadership. During her time with ALSAC, Pittard played a key role with the Minden St. Jude Auction, supporting the town of Minden, Louisiana, through a significant milestone as the auction raised more than $1 million for the first time under her leadership. The memorable achievement reflected the power of strong community relationships, dedicated volunteers and a shared commitment to the St. Jude mission.  

Pittard’s career has been defined by a passion for bringing people together around a shared purpose. She said, “I’m incredibly honored to join Breakthrough T1D and to have the opportunity to continue serving the North Texas and Oklahoma communities. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the extraordinary impact that happens when passionate people, businesses and communities come together around a shared mission.”

A proud Louisiana State University graduate, Pittard has called the Dallas-Fort Worth area home for many years. She lives with her husband, Andrew, a native of DFW, their two children, Jackson and Charlotte, and their two-year-old dog, Winston.

She joins Breakthrough T1D at its busiest time of year with events set for the next couple of months. The community is invited to join Breakthrough T1D at any of these events to support the organization’s fundraising efforts.  

Oct. 10 – Lubbock Walk

Nov. 7 – Dallas Walk, Oklahoma City Walk

Nov. 8 – Tulsa Walk

Nov. 14 – Fort Worth Walk, Durant, OK Walk  

Nov. 19 – Dallas Luncheon

Dec. 1 – Dallas Mahjong

About Breakthrough T1D: Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy, and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Chapter, based in Dallas, hosts major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa and Oklahoma City as well as community walks in The Colony, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Durant, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. Visit https://www.breakthrought1d.org/dallasfortworth/, https://www.breakthrought1d.org/oklahoma/, email northtexasoklahoma@BreakthroughT1D.org, or call 214-373-9808.

 

 

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Journey Exhibition Alan Halliburton, Vanita Halliburton Briley, Kevin Hall, and Amy McCloskey

Grant Halliburton Foundation welcomed 175 guests Sept. 10 to the opening reception for Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton at Center for BrainHealth, part of The University of Texas at Dallas.

The exhibition is now open to the public at no cost through Sept. 25. It is presented in partnership with Center for BrainHealth and curated in collaboration with Business Council for the Arts (BCA).

Held on World Suicide Prevention Day and during National Suicide Prevention Month, the reception brought together Foundation supporters, community leaders, mental health advocates and partners to experience Grant’s creative work and reflect on the mission that grew from his life.

Laura Bloom Gordon, chief marketing officer of Center for BrainHealth, welcomed guests and spoke about the organizations’ longstanding partnership.

“Our partnership with Grant Halliburton Foundation reflects a shared commitment to helping people build stronger, healthier minds and lives,” Gordon said.

During the program, Council Member Laura Cadena presented a Special Recognition from the City of Dallas, signed by Mayor Eric Johnson, honoring the Foundation’s 20th anniversary and its commitment to helping the community recognize and respond proactively to mental health challenges.

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, thanked the city and reflected on the Foundation’s work during the past two decades. He also spoke about Grant’s drawing Friends, which depicts one young man reaching toward another lying in a quiet neighborhood street.

“For 20 years, we’ve brought mental health education into schools and communities, equipped adults to recognize warning signs and respond with care, and helped families find support,” Hall said. “At its heart, our work is about helping people who are struggling feel noticed and heard and find the help they need.”

Amy McCloskey, a Foundation co-founder and Grant’s sister, collaborated closely with BCA throughout the curation process, contributing a personal understanding of Grant and his work.

“Grant’s life was far too short, but his legacy has extended far beyond his 19 years. Twenty years later, his art is still giving us a way to tell his story—and the Foundation built in his name is still giving people hope.”

Journey features more than 50 of Grant’s original paintings, charcoal works, drawings, and sketches, along with selections from his personal writings and poetry. A Listening Lounge features music Grant wrote and recorded with his high school bandmates.

The exhibition spans three floors of Center for BrainHealth’s Brain Performance Institute building. A first-floor preview introduces visitors to Grant and the Foundation. Most of the artwork and accompanying elements are displayed on the second and third floors.

The exhibition begins with Grant as a young artist, continues through the Foundation’s history and impact, and concludes by asking visitors to consider how they can help carry the work forward.

Since 2006, Grant Halliburton Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals through mental health education, suicide prevention training and community resources.

For personalized guidance finding mental health and substance-use providers and resources, call the Foundation’s free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Navigation Line is not a crisis service.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line volunteer. Both services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Visit Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton

Sept. 8-25
Center for BrainHealth
2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

The exhibition is open Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. Appointments are available on other weekdays by calling Center for BrainHealth at 972-883-3400. The exhibition is closed Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free. Learn more at granthalliburton.org/journey.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

• September 24 | 6–9 p.m.

The Art of Connection: Creativity, Mental Wellness and Brain Health
A Young Professionals Event presented by GHF YP and Think Tank

Center for BrainHealth, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

Grant Halliburton Foundation Young Professionals and Think Tank, Center for BrainHealth’s young professionals group, are partnering to present an evening for guests in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The event will feature networking, a private viewing of the Journey exhibition and a panel including artists and mental health and brain health experts exploring the connections among creativity, mental wellness and brain health.
Register at centerforbrainhealth.org/events.

• September 1–27 | Galleria Dallas
Galleria Dallas Mural: “The Art of Hope: Celebrating 20 Years of Grant Halliburton Foundation”

Created for Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary and National Suicide Prevention Month, this public mural explores how hope grows when a community shows up. Featuring a preview of Grant’s artwork, suicide prevention steps, mental health resources and September events, the installation invites visitors to learn more about the Foundation, discover how to support someone in crisis, find help and explore Journey. The mural is located on Level 1 at the south end of Galleria Dallas near Sephora.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation

Grant Halliburton Foundation is a Dallas-based nonprofit established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, who lived with depression and bipolar disorder and died by suicide at age 19. The Foundation works to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens and young adults; promote better mental health; and prevent suicide. Through education, resources and support, it equips students, educators, parents and professionals to recognize signs of distress, respond appropriately and connect young people with help. Since its founding, the Foundation has reached more than 375,000 people across North Texas. Its Here For Texas program offers two free resources: HereForTexas.com, a searchable database of mental health providers and resources, and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, which provides personalized assistance finding care. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.

About Center for BrainHealth

Center for BrainHealth®, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, is a nonprofit translational research institute committed to enhancing, preserving, and restoring brain health across the lifespan. Major research areas include the use of functional and structural neuroimaging techniques to better understand the neurobiology supporting the continual growth of cognition, well-being and social connections in health and disease. This leading-edge scientific exploration is translated quickly into practical innovations to improve how people think, work and live, empowering people of all ages to thrive and unlock their brain potential. Translational innovations leverage 1) the BrainHealth Index, a proprietary measure that uniquely charts one's upward (or downward) brain health trajectory whatever their starting level; and 2) Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART™) brain health training, a strategy-based toolkit developed and tested by BrainHealth researchers and other teams over three decades. The center's landmark longitudinal study, The BrainHealth Project, launched in 2020 with the goal of identifying actionable strategies for optimizing brain health throughout life, uncovering the dynamic relationship between lifestyle factors, biological markers, brain training and cognitive performance. It is co-led by Dr. Sandi Chapman, Dr. Mark D'Esposito, Dr. Geoff Ling, Dr. Ian Robertson, Dr. Vince Calhoun and Tom Leppert, with Georgeann and Adm. William McRaven (ret.) serving as national spokespersons.

About Business Council for the Arts

Since its founding in 1988 by Raymond Nasher as a Dallas Citizens Council initiative, the Business Council for the Arts (BCA) has championed the integration of arts and business across North Texas. Today, under the leadership of Founder’s Chair Nancy Nasher, Board Chair Joel Austin, and CEO Stacie Adams, BCA serves a network of more than 150 organizations committed to strengthening workplaces, classrooms, and communities through the arts. BCA’s programming spans creative workforce development, community engagement, and leadership cultivation. Signature initiatives include On My Own Time™, Art at Work, and the Leadership Arts Institute, alongside committee-driven efforts focused on Arts & Health, Arts & Real Estate, and Arts & Technology. To learn more, visit www.ntbca.org.

 


 

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SPARKtacular 2026 Ross Martin, Melissa Sherrill, Meg Bittner, Beth Thoele, Kristi Hoyl, Ron Hoyl

SPARK! hosted SPARKtacular, a fundraiser at the home of Carrie and Blake Rowling to raise funds to inspire creativity in students. Event co-chairs were Kristi and Ron Hoyl and Melissa Sherrill and Ross Martin. Honorary chairs were Beth and Chuck Thoele.

Local Dallasite singer songwriter Sarah Johnson sang and played guitar in the backyard while guests visited and enjoyed the delicious food from Roots Hospitality: Pimento Cheese Arancini, Crispy Mini Pork Tacos, Watermelon & Feta Salad, Ahi Tuna 'Poke Style', Grilled Shaved Beef Tenderloin Slider, Whipped Goat Cheese & Focaccia Toast and a Grazing Table. 

Meg Bittner, SPARK! president and CEO, welcomed everyone and encouraged them to visit SPARK!, which was designed and built by artists to encourage creativity in children. “Creative learning is rare, and in Title 1 schools, students might receive one hour of art per month, if they’re lucky. We raise funds for Title 1 school scholarships, so that they can attend a field trip at SPARK! By the end of the year, we will welcome more than 20,000 people to our place. Creativity is not a must have; it’s vital to our youth.”

Melissa Sherrill, SPARKtacular co-chair, added, “Thank you to Carrie and Blake for hosting us. Thank you to Beth for all you do. I love SPARK!, especially taking my littles there. Every child should have an opportunity to come experience SPARK!, whether it’s open play, a field trip or a birthday party.”

Kristi Hoyl SPARKtacular co-chair, said, “SPARK! doesn’t happen without philanthropy, and we thank you for supporting us. Please continue to bid on the silent auction items to raise even more funds. The next artist could be one of these students whose future is transformed through your support.”

Auction items included a Two Night Stay the Joule Dallas, "Practice in Release", Abstract Painting by MCat Davis, Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody donated by Neiman Marcus, Two Suite Tickets to the Thanksgiving Day Game (Cowboys vs. Philadelphia) with Cowboys Legend Timmy Newsome, Chroma Canvas & Custom Abstract Painting by Alyssa Burge, Five Night Stay in a Private Villa in Punta Mita, Mexico, Passed Appetizers & Four-Course Menu curated by Roots Hospitality paired with up to six bottles of wine from Sonoma Time, and 35 Guest Birthday Party at SPARK! Dallas.

To date, SPARK! has hosted 105 schools and organizations serving nearly 7,000 students on field trips during the 2025-2026 school year, with more than 51% of students from Title 1 schools. Nearly 40% of the open play admissions are from Museums for All attendees (reduced admission for families that receive government benefits such as SNAP, WIC and Medicaid).

Special thanks to sponsors:

Imaginator: KPMG, Beth & Chuck Thoele

Explorer: The Addy Foundation, Kristi & Ron Hoyl, Melissa Sherrill & Ross Martin, VanAmburgh Family Foundation

Valet: Sewell Automotive Companies 

For additional sponsors and host committee, visit https://sparkdallas.org/sparktacular/

For more information on SPARK!, visit https://sparkdallas.org/.

 

 (photo credit: Nancy Lovell)

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Golden Spirit by Grant Halliburton Grant Halliburton Foundation

Grant Halliburton Foundation and Center for BrainHealth, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, are partnering to present Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton, an exhibition on view Sept. 8–25 at Center for BrainHealth, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane in Dallas.

Presented during Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year and National Suicide Prevention Month, the exhibition connects Grant’s creative legacy with two decades of work in North Texas to strengthen youth mental health and prevent suicide. A series of public programs throughout September will extend the conversation through mental health education, brain science and community engagement.

“Twenty years of impact began with the Halliburton family’s decision to turn unimaginable loss into action,” said Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation. “This exhibition gives our community the opportunity to know Grant not only as the name of our Foundation, but as a gifted artist whose life continues to inspire this mission and save lives. We’re grateful to partner again with Center for BrainHealth to share the Foundation’s story, reflect on how far we’ve come and invite more people into the work still ahead.”

The exhibition also invites visitors to consider the connections between creativity and proactive brain health, expanding the organizations’ partnership through art, public programming and community conversation.

“Our partnership with Grant Halliburton Foundation reflects a shared commitment to helping people build stronger, healthier minds and lives,” said Laura Bloom Gordon, chief marketing officer of Center for BrainHealth. “Through this exhibition, we have an opportunity to connect art, mental wellness and brain health in a deeply meaningful way. With a variety of events all month, we hope to inspire conversations that strengthen resilience, connection and hope. This partnership builds on our collaboration through the Mental Wellness Collective and promotes community engagement in service of a common goal: helping more people understand and strengthen their brain health.”

The Mental Wellness Collective brings together North Texas mental health, brain health and youth-serving organizations to strengthen youth mental health and resilience.

Journey will feature more than 50 of Grant’s original paintings, charcoal works, drawings and sketches, along with selections from his personal writings and poetry and a Listening Lounge featuring music he wrote and recorded with his high school bandmates. The exhibition will span three floors of Center for BrainHealth’s Brain Performance Institute building. A preview on the first floor will welcome visitors and introduce the exhibition, with most of the collection and accompanying elements displayed on the second and third floors.

Together, the works and interpretive elements will trace the connection between Grant’s creative legacy and the mission that grew in his memory. Grant Halliburton Foundation partnered with Business Council for the Arts (BCA) to thoughtfully curate the exhibition and bring Grant’s art, story and legacy to life. Amy McCloskey, a Foundation co-founder and Grant’s sister, collaborated closely with BCA throughout the curation process, contributing a personal understanding of Grant and his work.

“Co-curating Journey with Amy was a profound honor,” said Jill VanGorden, chief operating officer and head of programs for Business Council for the Arts. “To help tell this story alongside Grant’s family is a privilege and reminds me exactly why the Foundation’s work matters. The exhibition doesn’t shy away from its origins. It holds space for grief while foregrounding what has been built from it, allowing visitors to find hope on their own terms. This project also gives tangible form to what BCA’s Arts and Health Committee has long championed and what research continues to affirm: that art meaningfully shapes individual well-being and the health of our workplaces.”

The Foundation’s earliest efforts were rooted in art and creativity. In May 2006, Grant’s work was presented at the ArtCentre of Plano in Journey: The Art, Music, and Words of Grant Halliburton. That same year, the Foundation awarded its first art scholarship to a graduating student at Plano West Senior High School, where Grant attended. The 2026 exhibition returns to that creative beginning while showing how the mission has grown.

“Twenty years ago, our family was searching for a way to help other families avoid the loss we experienced,” said McCloskey. “Grant’s artwork offers a glimpse of the creativity, humor and depth he brought to the world. Presenting Journey again during our 20th anniversary year brings us back to where the Foundation began and reminds us why this work remains so important.”

Since 2006, Grant Halliburton Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents and professionals through mental health education, suicide prevention training and community resources. Since launching in 2021, the Foundation’s Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line has helped more than 5,100 people find providers and resources, answered more than 4,600 calls and provided more than 12,800 follow-ups to individuals and families.

The September collaboration comes amid an urgent need for continued prevention and early intervention. The CDC’s most recent final mortality data, released in 2026, identify suicide as the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10–24 in the United States.

For personalized guidance finding mental health and substance use providers and resources, call the Foundation’s free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181, Monday through Friday,
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Navigation Line is not a crisis service.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line volunteer. Both services are free, confidential and available 24/7.

SEPTEMBER EXHIBITION EVENTS
All events at Center for BrainHealth, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

• September 8–25
Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton

The exhibition will be open to the public Sept. 8–25 on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. Appointments are available on other weekdays by calling Center for BrainHealth at 972-883-3400. The exhibition is closed Saturdays and Sundays. Learn more at granthalliburton.org/journey.

• September 17 | Reception: 6–7 p.m. | Talk: 7–8:15 p.m.

The Resilience Gap: How to Strengthen the Teen Brain in a Tech-Obsessed World

Kicking off the 2026 season of the popular BrainHealth Presents speaker series, Eva Telzer, Ph.D., and Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D., will discuss how technology, social media and artificial intelligence are shaping the developing teen brain and share evidence-based strategies that support attention, emotional regulation and social connection. Attendees will also have an opportunity to experience Journey and explore Grant’s artwork during the evening. The event is for guests ages 21 and older. Learn more and purchase tickets at centerforbrainhealth.org.


• September 24 | 6–9 p.m.

The Art of Connection: Creativity, Mental Wellness and Brain Health
A Young Professionals Event presented by GHF YP and Think Tank

Grant Halliburton Foundation Young Professionals and Think Tank, Center for BrainHealth’s young professionals group, are partnering to present an evening for guests in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The event will feature networking, a private viewing of the Journey exhibition and a panel including artists and mental health and brain health experts exploring the connections among creativity, mental wellness and brain health.
Learn more at granthalliburton.org/journey.

OTHER SEPTEMBER EVENTS

• September 1–30 | Galleria Dallas
Galleria Dallas Mural

Created for Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary and National Suicide Prevention Month, this public mural explores how hope grows when a community shows up. Featuring a preview of Grant’s artwork, suicide prevention steps, mental health resources and September events, the installation invites visitors to learn more about the Foundation, discover how to support someone in crisis, find help and explore Journey. The mural is located on Level 1 at the south end of Galleria Dallas near Sephora and ALO.

• September 10 | 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Plano Event Center
When Life Hands You Teenagers

The Foundation’s annual conference equipping parents, educators and mental health professionals with tools for supporting youth mental health. Learn more and register at granthalliburton.org/wlhyt.

• September 17 | 6 a.m.–midnight
North Texas Giving Day
Supporters can help build on 20 years of lifesaving mental health education, resources and suicide prevention programs. Early giving begins Aug. 28. Learn more and give at granthalliburton.org/ntgd.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation: Grant Halliburton Foundation is a Dallas-based nonprofit established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, who lived with depression and bipolar disorder and died by suicide at age 19. The Foundation works to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens and young adults; promote better mental health; and prevent suicide. Through education, resources and support, it equips students, educators, parents and professionals to recognize signs of distress, respond appropriately and connect young people with help. Since its founding, the Foundation has reached more than 375,000 people across North Texas. Its Here For Texas program offers two free resources: HereForTexas.com, a searchable database of mental health providers and resources, and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, which provides personalized assistance finding care. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.

About Center for BrainHealth: Center for BrainHealth®, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, is a nonprofit translational research institute committed to enhancing, preserving, and restoring brain health across the lifespan. Major research areas include the use of functional and structural neuroimaging techniques to better understand the neurobiology supporting the continual growth of cognition, well-being and social connections in health and disease. This leading-edge scientific exploration is translated quickly into practical innovations to improve how people think, work and live, empowering people of all ages to thrive and unlock their brain potential. Translational innovations leverage 1) the BrainHealth Index, a proprietary measure that uniquely charts one's upward (or downward) brain health trajectory whatever their starting level; and 2) Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART™) brain health training, a strategy-based toolkit developed and tested by BrainHealth researchers and other teams over three decades. The center's landmark longitudinal study, The BrainHealth Project, launched in 2020 with the goal of identifying actionable strategies for optimizing brain health throughout life, uncovering the dynamic relationship between lifestyle factors, biological markers, brain training and cognitive performance. It is co-led by Dr. Sandi Chapman, Dr. Mark D'Esposito, Dr. Geoff Ling, Dr. Ian Robertson, Dr. Vince Calhoun and Tom Leppert, with Georgeann and Adm. William McRaven (ret.) serving as national spokespersons.

About Business Council for the Arts: Since its founding in 1988 by Raymond Nasher as a Dallas Citizens Council initiative, the Business Council for the Arts (BCA) has championed the integration of arts and business across North Texas. Today, under the leadership of Founder’s Chair Nancy Nasher, Board Chair Joel Austin, and CEO Stacie Adams, BCA serves a network of more than 150 organizations committed to strengthening workplaces, classrooms, and communities through the arts. BCA’s programming spans creative workforce development, community engagement, and leadership cultivation. Signature initiatives include On My Own Time™, Art at Work, and the Leadership Arts Institute, alongside committee-driven efforts focused on Arts & Health, Arts & Real Estate, and Arts & Technology. To learn more, visit www.ntbca.org.

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TWU/NorTex College Fair

For the first time, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) will host the 2026 NorTex College Fair on Tuesday, September 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on its campus (303 Administration Dr., Denton, TX 76204) in the Student Union at Hubbard Hall. The event is free and open to students, parents and others interested in meeting more than 90 colleges, universities and trade school representatives in one location. The fair is designed to assist applicants through their college journey, from introducing them to colleges they may have never considered, to assisting them in the financial aid process. Registration is required online at https://twu.edu/visit/nortex-college-fair/.

“Choosing what comes after high school is a big decision, and not every student or family has the time or resources to visit multiple campuses,” said Brittnee Hernandez, manager of strategic initiatives and operations at Texas Woman’s University. “This college fair brings those opportunities together in one place, giving students the chance to explore colleges, universities and trade schools, ask meaningful questions, and connect with people who can help guide their next steps.”

Event Highlights:

In addition to the opportunity to meet admissions officers from more than 90 colleges and universities, TWU is offering additional opportunities to make students’ college preparation smoother, including: 

  • In Bridges Auditorium, attendees can learn more about the federal applications and scholarship opportunities during the Financial Aid Breakout Session.
  • In The SGA Chambers (Room 1510), prospective students and their parents can learn about TWU’s Distinguished Scholar Programs, a program unique to TWU that awards scholarships from $6,000 annually to the full cost of attendance, depending on the program.
  • In SUHH Room 223, applicants are invited to receive hands-on assistance from admissions officers and ask questions regarding their applications.

Parking and Directions:

  • Students, Parents and Guests: Free, permit-less parking will be available for all students and supporting adults.

About Texas Woman’s University:
Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2024, TWU eclipsed a $125 million goal in its ongoing fundraising effort, DREAM BIG, which supports programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.edu or twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity.

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Grant Halliburton Foundation will launch the season for its 17th annual Hope Party with a committee kickoff event Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hôtel Swexan. During the event, the Foundation will introduce Rachel and Luke Branyan as co-chairs of the 2026 Hope Party.

Guests will enjoy drinks and light bites while learning more about the Foundation, the upcoming gala and ways to support The Hope Party as an event or host committee member. To attend the kickoff at Hôtel Swexan, RSVP to paloma@granthalliburton.org by Aug. 3.

“As we kick off The Hope Party season, we’re most excited to help bring our community into this work—through the committees, through the event, and through greater awareness of the Foundation’s mission to promote better mental health, strengthen resources for children, teens, and young adults, and help prevent the tragedy of suicide,” Luke said.

Presented by Christopher Barkley Foundation, The Hope Party will take place Friday, Nov. 20, at The Statler in downtown Dallas. The event will serve as a culminating celebration of Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year while raising critical funds for its mental health education and resources for North Texas youth and their families.

“Our connection to this mission is personal and deeply felt,” Rachel said. “Luke and I have seen firsthand how important mental health support can be during difficult seasons, and we want every young person and family to know where to turn for help. That’s why we felt so strongly about saying yes to chairing The Hope Party and supporting Grant Halliburton Foundation.”

The evening will begin with a Welcome Reception, where supporters can browse and bid on silent auction items, take part in the Wine and Spirits Pull and try their luck at the Sips and Sparkles champagne wall for a chance to win a diamond. Guests will then move into the ballroom for dinner, the program, a live auction and dancing to AURA by Scott Michaels. DJ Lucy Wrubel will return to keep the celebration going at The Encore Afterparty.

Hope Party Event Schedule

  • 6:30 p.m.: Welcome Reception and silent auction
  • 7 p.m.: Ballroom doors open
  • 7:30 p.m.: Dinner, program and live auction, followed by dancing to AURA
  • 11:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.: The Encore Afterparty featuring DJ Lucy Wrubel

“For 20 years, this community has helped us turn one family’s loss into hope and help for hundreds of thousands of people,” Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said. “The Hope Party gives us an opportunity to celebrate that extraordinary legacy while investing in the work still ahead. Every sponsorship, ticket and donation helps more young people recognize when they need support and know where to find it.”

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available now at GrantHalliburton.org/hopeparty. Individual tickets will go on sale in September.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation: Celebrating 20 years of hope and impact, Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, a Dallas teen who lived with depressio and bipolar disorder and died by suicide at age 19. The Foundation works to help prevent suicide and strengthen the mental health of children, teens and young adults through education, resources and support. 

Since its founding, the Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents and professionals with mental health education and suicide preventing training. It also connects Texans with mental health and substance-use resources through HereForTexas.com and the free Here for Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org. 

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Rachel and Luke Branyan

Grant Halliburton Foundation will launch the season for its 17th annual Hope Party with a committee kickoff event Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hôtel Swexan. During the event, the Foundation will introduce Rachel and Luke Branyan as co-chairs of the 2026 Hope Party.

Guests will enjoy drinks and light bites while learning more about the Foundation, the upcoming gala and ways to support The Hope Party as an event or host committee member. To attend the kickoff at Hôtel Swexan, RSVP to paloma@granthalliburton.org by Aug. 3.

“As we kick off The Hope Party season, we’re most excited to help bring our community into this work—through the committees, through the event, and through greater awareness of the Foundation’s mission to promote better mental health, strengthen resources for children, teens, and young adults, and help prevent the tragedy of suicide,” Luke said.

Presented by Christopher Barkley Foundation, The Hope Party will take place Friday, Nov. 20, at
The Statler in downtown Dallas. The event will serve as a culminating celebration of
Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year while raising critical funds for its mental health education and resources for North Texas youth and their families.

“Our connection to this mission is personal and deeply felt,” Rachel said. “Luke and I have seen firsthand how important mental health support can be during difficult seasons, and we want every young person and family to know where to turn for help. That’s why we felt so strongly about saying yes to chairing The Hope Party and supporting Grant Halliburton Foundation.”

The evening will begin with a Welcome Reception, where supporters can browse and bid on silent auction items, take part in the Wine and Spirits Pull and try their luck at the Sips and Sparkles champagne wall for a chance to win a diamond. Guests will then move into the ballroom for dinner, the program, a live auction and dancing to AURA by Scott Michaels. DJ Lucy Wrubel will return to keep the celebration going at The Encore Afterparty.

Hope Party Event Schedule

  • 6:30 p.m.: Welcome Reception and silent auction
  • 7 p.m.: Ballroom doors open
  • 7:30 p.m.: Dinner, program and live auction, followed by dancing to AURA
  • 11:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.: The Encore Afterparty featuring DJ Lucy Wrubel

“For 20 years, this community has helped us turn one family’s loss into hope and help for hundreds of thousands of people,” Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said. “The Hope Party gives us an opportunity to celebrate that extraordinary legacy while investing in the work still ahead. Every sponsorship, ticket and donation helps more young people recognize when they need support and know where to find it.”

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available now at GrantHalliburton.org/hopeparty. Individual tickets will go on sale in September.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation: Velebrating 20 years of hope and impact, Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, a Dallas teen who lived with depressio and bipolar disorder and died by suicide at age 19. The Foundation works to help prevent suicide and strengthen the mental health of children, teens and young adults through education, resources and support. 

Since its founding, the Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents and professionals with mental health education and suicide preventing training. It also connects Texans with mental health and substance-use resources through HereForTexas.com and the free Here for Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org. 

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Kristi Hoyl, Ron Hoyl, Melissa Sherrill, Ross Mart

SPARK! Dallas, the innovative educational nonprofit fostering creativity and empowering youth, has announced SPARKtacular, a fundraising event on Thursday, September 10 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at a private Dallas residence. Designed exclusively for adults 21 and older, the immersive evening will feature exceptional cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, live music and opportunities to support SPARK!’s mission. Event co-chairs are Kristi and Ron Hoyl and Melissa Sherrill and Ross Martin. 

Meg Bittner, SPARK! president and CEO, said, “In a world being consumed with AI, we must be intentional about creativity and original thought for our future generation of leaders. As a community-based arts education program working with schools, we know creativity powers communities. STEAM education in a uniquely creative setting at SPARK promotes learning and is crucial for growth and critical thinking skills. We invite you to support this incredible organization.”

Melissa Sherrill added, “SPARK! has channeled its expertise to be one of the most dynamic nonprofits serving students and educators by providing a pathway to success through art education and STEAM. We need your help to support these efforts at SPARKtacular.”

Kristi Hoyl added, “We need your help to provide scholarships for well deserving students from Title 1 schools, giving them access to SPARK!’s creative environment to develop their creativity. The next artist, architect or engineer could be one of these students whose future is transformed through your support.”

To date, SPARK! has hosted 105 schools and organizations serving nearly 7,000 students on field trips during the 2025-2026 school year, with more than 51% of students from Title 1 schools. Nearly 40% of the open play admissions are from Museums for All attendees (reduced admission for families that receive government benefits such as SNAP, WIC and Medicaid). 

Sponsorships, which range from $1,000 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 2nd grade to 12th grade students 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 and exhibits, 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 work force. 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/.