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.

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. 

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 2^nd grade to 12^th 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/.

Turning 75 is cause for celebration, and Texas Rangers Hall of Fame radio broadcaster and longtime mental health advocate Eric Nadel marked the milestone May 14 with a packed night of music and community at the historic Longhorn Ballroom, featuring Brooklyn-based headliner Sammy Rae & The Friends and special guest Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes.

Nadel hosted his 14th annual Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit concert, with proceeds benefitingGrant Halliburton Foundation, a Dallas-based nonprofit marking its 20th anniversary in 2026. The Foundation provides mental health education, resources and support to children, teens and their families across North Texas. The event was presented by Haynes Boone, with KXT 91.7 serving as media sponsor.

The baseball-themed evening featured a silent auction filled with autographed sports memorabilia, celebrity dinners at some of Dallas’ most beloved restaurants and other one-of-a-kind offerings. Volunteers, dressed in Texas Rangers T-shirts, passed out baseball-inspired snacks as guests visited with one another and took in the iconic Longhorn Ballroom’s memorabilia-filled setting.

As the show began, Nadel was surprised with a birthday video tribute featuring messages from many of his family and friends before taking the stage.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 75th birthday than by bringing people together for great music and an even greater cause,” Nadel said. “Grant Halliburton Foundation is doing critical work to give young people and families the mental health resources and support they need, and I’m grateful to everyone who came out to help make that work possible.”

Nadel then introduced Bay Area favorite Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes, who opened the evening with a lively set. Prophet’s music has been described as intoxicatingly rhythmic, with flashes of rock ’n’ roll, punk, surf and soul.

Following the performance, Nadel welcomed Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, to the stage.

“Tonight, we celebrate two meaningful milestones: Eric’s 75th birthday and Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year,” Hall said. “Eric is a great friend to the Foundation and a powerful voice for mental health. We’re grateful for his continued support to help bring hope and help to young people and families across North Texas.”

After a special 20th anniversary video highlighting the Foundation’s mission and impact, auctioneer Dean McCurry invited guests who purchased beads to stand for a spirited game of heads or tails. He then led the live auction, which included a Texas Rangers suite for 12, a Napa Valley getaway, dinner with Texas Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young and more.

Brooklyn-based headliner Sammy Rae & The Friends closed the evening with an energetic performance blending classic rock, folk and funk with soul and jazz influences. As the band took the stage, guests rushed forward to dance near the stage, creating a lively and joyful finale to the birthday celebration.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2006, Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help prevent suicide by providing education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health.

For two decades, the Foundation has provided mental health education and training to more than 375,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals. The Foundation also offers help and support through HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools provide easy access for North Texans seeking information and resources for mental health and substance abuse. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.

The Breakthrough T1D Dallas community gathered on Saturday, April 11, at the OMNI Dallas Hotel to celebrate a milestone evening at the 30th Anniversary Gala, “A Night of Hope,” presented by The Dave and Stacey Johnson Family. The inspiring event brought together more than 600 families, researchers, and supporters united in the mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Throughout the evening, 33 Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassadors – children living with type 1 diabetes and their siblings – greeted guests and energized the room as they helped drive donations. Their enthusiasm not only supported the night’s fundraising success, but also served as a reminder of the lives directly impacted by every dollar raised.

The evening opened with heartfelt remarks from emcees Karen Borta of CBS 11 and Isaiah Stanback, former Dallas Cowboys player and NFL Network Good Morning Football and CBS 11 sports analyst, both of whom shared their personal connections to T1D as parents. Guests paused for a special tribute honoring the late Josh Pack, a dedicated champion of the organization whose legacy continues to inspire generosity and impact.

This year’s gala chairs – the Johnson family (Stacey and Dave Johnson and their family Chelsea and Blake McMullen, Kendall and Michael Kelly, and Rylie Johnson) – helped lead a meaningful celebration that highlighted both the 30-year history of the Dallas Gala and a deeply personal milestone: daughter Chelsea’s 30th “diaversary,” marking three decades of living with T1D.

“Type 1 diabetes affects not only those of us who live with the disease, but also the families who walk beside us each day,” said Chelsea McMullen. “While technology has transformed how I manage T1D, I still dream of a day without it – a future where my children don’t have to face this disease.”

David Natinsky, president-elect of the Breakthrough T1D Greater Dallas Board introduced Amy Camp, territory executive director, and Melissa Pinkerton, Dallas chapter director, who recognized key supporters and their hope to keep the momentum going and one day see a world without type 1.

“Thirty-one million dollars has been raised in 30 years to fund research, clinical trials, and education,” said Camp. “And families like the Johnsons have been right alongside us every step of the way – driving progress, raising millions, and giving hope to so many.”

The program also honored Dr. Perrin White, a nationally recognized leader in pediatric endocrinology whose decades of work have helped transform care for children living with T1D.

“Thanks to the efforts of Breakthrough T1D, I not only hope for a cure – I know it will come,” said Dr. White. “At UT Southwestern, we care for 2,500 children living with T1D, and we’re seeing real progress. I’m proud to be part of advancements like teplizumab, the first disease-modifying therapy shown to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in those at risk. While we work toward a cure, we celebrate each breakthrough that improves lives today and gives families hope for the future.”

A highlight of the evening was the Fund A Cure presentation, featuring the Swartwout family and their daughter Harper, who participated in an early clinical trial for the groundbreaking teplizumab therapy.

“At such a young age, Harper represents the impact each of us can have in the fight to find a cure,” shared her family, emphasizing the importance of screening and clinical trials in advancing research.

“Teplizumab therapy is the most meaningful discovery since the 1922 discovery of insulin!” exclaimed Harper Swartwout. Her final message captured the spirit of the night: “Let’s make type 1, type none.”

The evening featured a lively auction, generous sponsorship support, and heartfelt moments that underscored the urgency and promise of continued research, with its success driven in part by auction chair Lindsey Verity, whose leadership helped create an engaging and impactful fundraising experience.

Lexie Peterson, community relations & corporate giving coordinator at American Airlines, also known in the diabetes community as “The Divabetic” – a prominent T1D advocate, content creator, and influencer – kicked off the live auction experience, with the airline contributing more than 1 million AAdvantage® miles to enhance packages and drive fundraising momentum. She encouraged the crowd to “let good take flight!”

As the program concluded and guests took to the dance floor to the music of Manhattan, the message of the evening remained clear: with continued commitment and generosity, a future without type 1 diabetes is within reach.

In addition to the Johnson family, major sponsors included Source North America, Cantina La Rosa, JF Petroleum, Stature Aviation, Forbes HOUSE Dallas, Southwest Airlines, and FBD Partnerships LP.

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 Territory comprises the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters that host major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City as well as local walks in The Colony, Durant, Tulsa, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City. Visit breakthrought1d.org/GreaterDallasTX, email greaterdallastx@BreakthroughT1D.org, or call 214-373-9808.

**Photos by Celeste Cass / George Fiala**