To kick off its 15th annual Hope Party, Grant Halliburton Foundation hosted a kickoff event on July 25 at Simkhai in Highland Park Village where more than 60 guests gathered to learn more about the annual gala, set for Friday, November 22. Guests sipped beverages and sampled small bites provided by Bistro 31, while they shopped at Simkhai, where 15% of sales were donated back to the nonprofit organization.

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, welcomed everyone. “Tonight’s kickoff is not just a celebration but a launchpad for our most important fundraising event of the year. It’s heartening to see so many dedicated supporters come together for a cause that truly makes a difference.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from the 2024 Hope Party co-chairs, Danielle Hunter, Steve Noviello and Reed Robertson. Each chair shared their excitement and commitment to the upcoming gala, setting the stage for a successful year ahead.

Hunter expressed her enthusiasm stating, “I’m thrilled to be a part of this incredible event. The support we’ve received is overwhelming, and I’m confident that with everyone’s ongoing support, the 15th annual Hope Party will be our best yet.”

Robertson shared his gratitude and said, “The energy in this room is contagious. It’s clear that we have a passionate and committed group of people behind the Foundation’s cause.”

The event allowed guests to learn more about Grant Halliburton Foundation and the upcoming Hope Party. The evening features dinner, dancing to the music of AURA by Scott Michaels, an incredible live and silent auction, and the popular wine and spirits pull. This celebratory soiree supports the Foundation’s work providing mental health education, resources and support to North Texas youth and their families.

Noviello added, “We look forward to welcoming those who support the Foundation and new supporters to this lively event. Be sure to purchase your sponsorships now before the event sells out.”

The Hope Party sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are now available at GrantHalliburton.org/hopeparty. For more information, call 972-744-9790 or email  hopeparty@granthalliburton.org. Individual tickets go on sale in September.

Presenting Sponsor: Christopher Barkley Foundation

Emerald Sponsor: Danielle Hunter and Shane Sealy

Sapphire Sponsors: Berry Corporation, Matthew Gabay, Carolina Herrera, Simkhai

Media Sponsor: PaperCity

Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 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 families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including education, conferences, collaboration and encouragement. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to more than 325,000 students, educators, parents and professionals. The Foundation also offers Here For Texas, which includes HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and addiction information and resources. Learn more about the Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org.

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HOPE PARTY CO-CHAIR BIOS:

Danielle Hunter is president of Berry Corporation, an independent, publicly traded energy company. She also serves on the board of KLX Energy Services and Educational First Steps, a Dallas-based nonprofit focused on providing early childhood education to low-income communities. Hunter and her husband, Shane, live in Highland Park.

Steve Noviello is an 11-time Emmy Award-winning Fox 4 News journalist and consumer rights advocate. He recently launched a new late-night show, "Last Call with Steve Noviello." He serves on the board of Grant Halliburton Foundation and has emceed the Foundation's Beacon of Hope Luncheon and The Hope Party since 2017. Noviello is also active in the Dallas recovery community. He lives in Highland Park with his husband, Doug, and their two sons.

Reed Robertson has worked in the fashion industry for more than 18 years and is a personal stylist at Highland Park Village, where he provides personally curated shopping experiences. Robertson is also actively involved in the community, volunteering with Grant Halliburton Foundation and serving on event committees for the Children's Cancer Fund and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He resides in Dallas with his partner, T.J.

Through an outstanding collaboration, Youth 180 and AIDS Services of Dallas (ASD) have successfully completed a real estate transaction of 10,000-square-feet in North Oak Cliff in Dallas. Youth 180, known for substance abuse counseling services tailored to youth and families, has partnered with ASD, a nonprofit dedicated to providing housing and support to those affected by HIV/AIDS, enabling both groups to expand their essential services within the community. Solender/Hall, Inc. served as the real estate broker between the two nonprofit organizations.

“The transaction between Youth 180 and ASD is an excellent example of how collaborations can serve the entire community,” said Eliza Solender, president of Solender/Hall Inc. “Both organizations showed remarkable leadership and dedication to their missions, resulting in a beneficial outcome for all involved.”

Youth 180 sold its 10,000-square-foot building at 201 South Tyler Street to ASD; however, the organization will lease back approximately half of the space, continuing to use the facility for administrative purposes and ongoing services.

Under the guidance of President and CEO Keri M. Stitt, Youth 180 offers crucial substance abuse prevention and treatment services to youth (K-12) and their families. When Youth 180 received an unsolicited offer for its Tyler Street property, the board saw an opportunity to better align the organization’s space needs with its budget by selling the building and leasing back a portion.

“The decision to explore this real estate opportunity was strategic and forward-thinking. By leveraging the expertise of Solender/Hall and engaging in thoughtful negotiation, we ensure Youth 180 remains steadfast in our mission to empower youth and families through accessibly and sustainable support systems,” Stitt said.

When it became evident that a compatible sublease tenant would mean an opportunity to manage occupancy costs effectively during the negotiation process, Solender immediately thought of ASD as a potential subtenant. ASD, under the leadership of CEO Traswell C. Livingston III, was seeking to maintain and expand its presence in North Oak Cliff, an area it has served for more than 37 years. With Solender able to help negotiate the terms, the previous buyer from the unsolicited offer stepped aside to allow for the partnership between Youth 180 and ASD.

Livingston shared his excitement about the partnership. “We are thrilled to expand our services with a new community resource in North Oak Cliff. This acquisition not only gives us more room to operate, but it also deepens our ties with the community we are dedicated to serving.”

Both CEOs saw the bigger picture—a chance to do more together than they could alone—and made trust and open communication their guiding principle. Behind the scenes, the boards of both organizations played vital roles by offering support to their CEOs as they navigated the complexities of the sale, purchase, and leaseback. The legal teams also played a significant part, ensuring everything went smoothly.

In the end, this collaborative effort stands as a testament to the spirit of community service in North Oak Cliff. With ASD now owning the building and Youth 180 continuing its essential work, both organizations are poised to make an even greater difference in the lives of those they serve. Wasting no time, the two organizations have already begun joint grant efforts to enhance community services, showcasing the power of collaboration in real estate transactions.

About Solender/Hall:

Since 1991, Solender/Hall has been assisting nonprofit organizations buy, sell and lease commercial real estate in the North Texas area. The firm has been highly successful in finding unique properties, often repurposing banks, stores, warehouses, bowling alleys and churches into new nonprofit locations. Find out more at www.solenderhall.com or by calling 214.215.0432.

Celebrating its 12th anniversary concert, the Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit, presented by Haynes Boone, raised more than $140,000 for Grant Halliburton Foundation. Held on Thursday, May 16at the Kessler Theater, the sold-out event featured a VIP party for sponsors with delicious bites donated by Eddie's Tex-Mex Cocina, live and silent auctions and music acts by Rhett Miller and Leslie Mendelson.

With the excitement of a new Texas Rangers season in full swing and World Series buzz still in the air, guests were especially excited to see the guest of honor, Eric Nadel, “Voice of the Texas Rangers,” and catch a glimpse of the new hardware on his hand. Nadel was happy to oblige as he mingled with guests before taking the stage to kick off the event.

“This was the first time the party has been on my actual birthday and the first time the Rangers were kind enough not to schedule a game on my birthday – it’s truly the happiest possible evening,” Nadel said as he welcomed everyone to his birthday benefit. “I want to extend my gratitude to Haynes Boone for being a first-time sponsor and this year’s Presenting Sponsor, to KXT 91.7 FM, the best radio station in the country, for its support as Media Sponsor, and all our other generous sponsors. The work of Grant Halliburton Foundation has saved lives and helped erase the stigma around mental health. Their mission is more important than it’s ever been.”

Nadel then introduced Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Leslie Mendelson, who opened the show and recently played Carnegie Hall for the first time.

After Mendelson’s set, Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation president, spoke about the Foundation and its mission to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness and prevent suicide.

"Thank you to National Baseball Hall of Famer Eric Nadel for choosing us as the recipient of your birthday benefit for the fourth consecutive year," Hall said. "The proceeds from tonight's event will go toward supporting the Foundation's mental health and suicide prevention programming for children, teens and young adults in North Texas.”

The event also featured a live auction that included a date night with a private chauffeur in a Lincoln, dinner for four with Texas Rangers General Manager Bruce Bochy; a Texas Rangers home plate suite for 12; a week-long stay for 16 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and a jazz cruise getaway with Chris Botti. Ronnie Conger served as auctioneer.

Finally, the talented headliner, singer/songwriter Rhett Miller, took to the stage and welcomed guests, setting a casual and fun house-party vibe with his set. Miller wowed with his signature move – the Windmiller – as he furiously strummed away, and fans sang along to old favorites. He shared stories about being invited to work with music legends Dolly Paton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Waylon Jennings and Bob Dylan. The night was complete with everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to Eric.

“For several years, my good friend Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s has expressed interest in playing this event, and finally, the band’s schedule has allowed him to do so. Rhett has been very outspoken about his mental health struggles while growing up in Dallas,” Nadel said.

During the evening, guests enjoyed baseball-themed snack vendors handing out traditional baseball treats, including sunflower seeds, Cracker Jacks, Big League Chew bubble gum, and Baby Ruth candy bars.

VIPs spotted in attendance included Eric Nadel; Chris Young, Texas Rangers General Manager; Norm Hitzges, Texas Radio Hall of Fame radio host; Brad Sham, "Voice of the Dallas Cowboys;" Haynes Boone team (Presenting Sponsor); Joe Trahan, WFAA sports director; and Vanita Halliburton, Amy McCloskey and Alan Halliburton, Grant Halliburton Foundation co-founders.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation

Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 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 families and young people through education, resources, and support. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health and suicide prevention education and training to more than 325,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals. The Foundation also offers Here For Texas, which includes HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools, available in English and Spanish, aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and substance use information and resources. Learn more about Grant Halliburton Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org.

The Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award is known for honoring its award recipients with an evening of fun surprises and warm personal tributes. The 2024 event honoring global business leader, philanthropist, speaker, artist, musician, and commercial pilot James W. Keyes was no exception.  More than 750 guests enjoyed the sounds of Alda Brass as they entered the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on May 17^th. They soon learned that the trumpet is especially meaningful to Keyes who as a child wanted to play in the school band, but his family could not afford an instrument. A teacher recognized his talent and provided him with a trumpet, a gift that contributed to his lifelong love of music.

Event Co-Chairs Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Lottye and Bobby Lyle, and Carolyn and David Miller were recognized by Dallas Regional Chamber CEO and President Dale Petroskey. As host for the evening, he welcomed guests and shared stories of his 20-year friendship with Folsom Award recipient James W. Keyes. As the former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, Keyes has served on the board of public companies and as an advisor to many foundations, investment firms, and start-up companies. His philanthropic interests include UT Southwestern, American Red Cross, Southern Methodist University, The Cooper Institute, The Catholic Diocese of Dallas, and Columbia University Business School. He was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Junior Achievement Dallas Business Hall of Fame, and the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Ring of Honor Award.  Recently, he became a published author. An autographed copy of his book, Education is Freedom, was provided for each guest.

Methodist Health System Foundation President James M. Johnston stated, “Methodist Health System provided over $182 million last year alone in uncompensated care, primarily to patients at Methodist Dallas and Methodist Charlton, its two hospitals in the southern sector of Dallas. Tonight, we are pleased to announce that in honor of Jim Keyes we have raised $1.7 million toward the transformation of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.”

Johnston recognized presenting sponsors Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Carolyn and David Miller, The Lupe Murchison Foundation, Linda and Mitch Hart, Lottye and Bobby Lyle, Jewel and Roland Parrish, Mary and Rich Templeton, and Mike and Mary Terry. He also recognized past award recipients in attendance: Nancy Ann Hunt (2006), Bobby Lyle (2014), Jack Lowe (2015), Gerald Turner (2016), David Miller (2017), Texas State Senator Royce West (2018), The Honorable Mike Rawlings (2019), and Linda and Mitch Hart (2021), and Mary and Rich Templeton (2023). He paid tribute to Keyes, who exemplifies the legacy of the namesake of the award, Robert S. Folsom. Johnston introduced members of the Folsom family, followed by a video about Robert Folsom.

Following the invocation by Father Tony Lackland, Chef Richard Chamberlain spoke about his 30-year friendship with Margo and Jim Keyes. He stated that he was born at Methodist Dallas and was honored to be part of an event hosted by Methodist Health System. Chamberlain noted that during his years as CEO of 7-Eleven, Keyes developed a passion for Slurpees. Chamberlain introduced a lemon hibiscus Slurpee for the event, which was enjoyed by guests to begin the dinner. He then announced a special menu of baseball-cut succulent short rib in honor of Keyes’ love of baseball. Guests dined to the music of a solo trumpet which accompanied video images of original artwork by Jim Keyes.

Methodist Health System CEO James C. Scoggin, Jr. acknowledged members of the Methodist team, including physicians and nurses. He thanked Keyes for designating the proceeds of the event to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, ensuring that every newborn in Methodist’s service area in Southern Dallas has access to life-saving advanced neonatal services.

Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, who was appointed by President George W. Bush as the first woman chair of the board of governors of the American Red Cross and U.S. Ambassador to Finland, introduced a tribute video to Keyes with these words, “For God so loved the world, he gave us faith, family, friendship, and Jim Keyes – who has changed every organization that has benefited from his leadership.”

Video tributes during the evening included a personal message of congratulations from the former President of Mexico Vicente Fox. A special video tribute of accolades from Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Bobby Lyle, David Miller, Margo Keyes, Drayton McLane, Suzanna Russell, Kim Noltemy, Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Adan Gonzalez, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, Bishop Edward J. Burns, Charlie Duke, and Harvey Mackay was a highlight of the evening. They acknowledged many of the ways in which Keyes embodies a modern-day Renaissance man “His innovative mindset, social consciousness, and empathetic leadership collectively embody the ideals of versatility, curiosity, and humanism that define the Renaissance ethos. All of this – built on a foundation of family and faith and a passionate belief in the uplifting and transformative power of learning.”

Jim Keyes expressed his gratitude for being named the recipient of an award named after Robert S. Folsom, “a man who changed the landscape of Dallas in so many ways.”  In receiving this honor, Keyes shared five points of gratitude:

• Faith. “Dallas is a community of faith. Faith-based organizations like Methodist are the unsung heroes that keep us safe and healthy.”
• Family. “Dallas is family, and I feel a part of it.”
• Friendship. “We are blessed with so many friends and thankful to all who are here tonight.”
• Philanthropy. “I’ve traveled the four corners of this planet, and I’ve never seen a city more giving than Dallas.”
• Freedom. “Dallas is a classic city in which anyone can unlock his or her potential through education. The more you dream, the more you can achieve. We all have adversity. The best way to eliminate it is through knowledge, light, and faith.”

Following the presentation of the Robert S. Folsom award to Keyes, he was honored onstage by a group of high school graduates who have been inspired and supported by Keyes’ Education is Freedom Foundation, which to date has presented over $450,000 in scholarships.

To close the evening, there was a video featuring a flyover complete with special effects similar to jet exhausts, “like a majestic eagle taking to the sky, Education is Freedom.”

About Methodist Health System

Methodist Health System is a faith-based non-profit organization established in 1927. Its Mission is to improve and save lives through compassionate quality healthcare. For almost a century, Dallas-based Methodist Health System has been a trusted choice for health and wellness. It offers nationally recognized medical services, a network of 12 hospitals through ownership and affiliation, and more than two dozen clinics located throughout the region. Methodist is known and recognized for its exceptional teaching programs, innovative research, and its strong commitment to the community. Methodist Health System provided more than $182 million in uncompensated charity care in fiscal year 2023.  Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org.

About Methodist Health System Foundation

Methodist Health System Foundation is a nonprofit foundation led by community and civic leaders who donate their time, service, and expertise to assist Methodist Health System in funding its hospital projects. More information is available at Methodisthealthsystem.org/RobertSFolsomLeadershipAward.

Beautiful art accompanied by stunning views of downtown Dallas at the home of Kathryn and Craig Hall in the Hall Arts Residences were the perfect backdrop for the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award patron party, honoring the 2024 award recipient James W. Keyes. Former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster Inc., Keyes exemplifies the great legacy of leadership and service to the Dallas community by former Dallas mayor, the late Robert S. Folsom. Established in 2005 by Methodist Health System Foundation, the award will be presented to Keyes at a celebratory evening event on May 17 at the Hilton Anatole. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to community leadership, emulating the achievements of Folsom, who is known for his immense contributions to the growth of Dallas, which included planting the seeds for an Arts District downtown.

Guests enjoyed a variety of Hall wines and bites while mingling and admiring the Hall’s extensive art collection and views of the city from the terrace.

Craig Hall welcomed guests to their home for an event honoring their longtime friends Jim and Margo Keyes. He expressed gratitude that he and Kathryn were able to host this special occasion honoring Jim.

Kathryn Hall echoed Craig’s remarks, welcoming guests and sharing that the Keyes had been dear friends for many years. She thanked the attendees for their support of a vital health system in Dallas, “making Methodist such an important part of our community – it’s beautiful and awe-inspiring.”

The evening highlighted Jim’s many accolades, including his new book – Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands. Kathryn Hall continued, “It’s a tribute to issues Jim holds dear – a meaningful symbol of his lifelong commitment to education. Jim is a perfect recipient of the Robert Folsom Award. Folsom was a symbol of leadership, integrity and commitment to our city, and Jim naturally demonstrates many of Bob Folsom’s strongest attributes.”

Methodist Health System Foundation President James M. Johnston then shared how much he had enjoyed getting to know the Keyes over the last few months and reiterated that Jim Keyes was a perfect selection for this honor. He shared that multiple generations of the Folsom family had been committed supporters of Methodist over the years and that Keyes possesses these same qualities of “character, honor, integrity, and giving back to this city.”

Johnston also recognized co-chairs Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Carolyn and David Miller, and Lottye and Bobby Lyle, stating that Nancy Ann and David were former recipients along with Linda and Mitch Hart, who were also in attendance. He thanked the presenting sponsors, including The Lupe Murchison Foundation, and their three trustees in attendance: Jerry Smith and his wife, Gail; Robert McCullough and his wife, Charleen, and Mike Redden and his wife, Elaine. He also recognized the support of Jewel and Roland Parrish, Mary and Rich Templeton (2023 Folsom Award recipients), Mary and Mike Terry, and Margo and Jim Keyes.

Johnston acknowledged the incredible leaders of the Methodist family: Chairman of the Methodist Health System Foundation Board of Trustees Steve Folsom representing the Folsom family; CEO of Methodist Health System, Jim Scoggin and his wife, Missy; President of Methodist Health System, Pam Stoyanoff, as well as the presidents of Methodist hospitals throughout the DFW Metroplex. 

He shared how the proceeds will be used for this year’s event. “Jim Keyes has graciously designated that the proceeds from this year’s event support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. This project is extremely meaningful as the NICU is a crucial component in supporting Methodist’s mission to serve an ever-increasing number of disadvantaged families, particularly in the Southern Sector.”

Johnston recognized that when Keyes learned that the transformation of the NICU was the highest priority of Methodist Health System, he said, “Even though Margo and I do not have children of our own, much of our effort goes toward helping young people…so, in this way, we have many children who can benefit from our efforts. Therefore, supporting the NICU at Methodist Dallas would fit nicely into this purpose.” 

Johnston concluded that this event had already raised just over $1.6 million, which was among this event’s most successful Folsom efforts. “This is a huge tribute to Jim Keyes and to the great service Methodist Health System provides to those most in need in our community.” 

Jim Keyes expressed his thanks and shared two stories. The first one centered on the day Bobby Lyle invited him to a breakfast meeting “just to catch up,” but upon being escorted to a private room, he knew something was up. During that breakfast discussion, he was asked to be the honoree and to pick a theme for the event. Keyes said, “I picked gratitude.” He then expressed gratitude to all the chairs and honorees before him and shared he was grateful for Robert Folsom. “Folsom was Dallas. When Margo and I came here 35 years ago, we fell in love and are so proud of this city. We want to do more. This is a place where you can think big, and people respond to that.”

He also shared he was grateful for the timing of this special occasion. “Bob Folsom was chairman of the board of trustees for the Dallas Independent School District, and he truly cared about kids who didn’t have opportunities.” Keyes then explained that one of his first speaking engagements after his book came out in 2024 was at Sunset High School in Southern Dallas.  He was able to share a photo of Snoop Dog reading a copy of his book, and the students were immediately engaged! The students were then given autographed copies of Education Is Freedom – with one book containing a $100 bill.  As the books were being distributed, it was totally serendipitous when the student who received the $100 book was the valedictorian of the senior class. “It was a beautiful and emotional moment.”

Keyes concluded, “I have such gratitude for all of this -- for tonight, for this honor, for the entire Methodist organization -- and I thank you all for this honor.”

Last year alone, Methodist Health System provided more than $182 million in unreimbursed charity care. The Folsom event has been recognized as one of Dallas’ largest fundraising events and has raised more than $22 million since 2005 to benefit Methodist Health System’s programs and services.

Past Folsom Leadership Award recipients include Robert S. Folsom (2005), Nancy Ann Hunt (2006), Troy Aikman (2007), first lady Laura Bush (2008), the late Norman Brinker (2009), Pat and Emmitt Smith (2010), Trevor Rees-Jones (2011), Mike Boone (2012), Rev. Mark Craig (2013), Dr. Bobby B. Lyle (2014), Jack Lowe, Jr., (2015),  Dr. R. Gerald Turner (2016), David B. Miller (2017), Texas Sen. Royce West, (2018), Michael S. Rawlings (2019), Linda and Mitch Hart (2021), and Mary and Rich Templeton (2023).

About Methodist Health System

Methodist Health System (Methodist) is a faith-based organization with a Mission to improve and save lives through compassionate, quality healthcare. For nearly a century, Dallas-based Methodist Health System has been a trusted choice for health and wellness, offering nationally recognized medical services, a network of 12 hospitals (through ownership and affiliation), and more than two-dozen clinics located throughout the region. Methodist has renowned teaching programs, innovative research, and a strong commitment to the community. The non-profit Methodist Health System provided more than $182 million in charity care in fiscal year 2023.  Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org.

About Methodist Health System Foundation

Methodist Health System Foundation is a nonprofit foundation led by community and civic leaders who donate their time, service, and expertise to raise funds for hospital projects. For those interested in supporting the Robert S. Folsom Award, please contact Methodist Health System Foundation Vice President Joy Duncan at 214-947-4585 or joyduncan@mhd.com. More information is available at Methodisthealthsystem.org/RobertSFolsomLeadershipAward.