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.

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.

SPARK! Dallas, the innovative educational facility fostering creativity in youth, announced a groundbreaking partnership with arts and entertainment company Meow Wolf second SPARK! PRISMATIC Art Pop-up Experience featuring 28 area high school artists’ creations. The colorful exhibition is an immersive experience showcasing the students’ creativity through a variety of themed areas imagined, designed and built in a single color and theme. The community is invited to see the PRISMATIC Art Pop-up Experience June 1 to September 29 at SPARK!, located at Southside Lamar (1409 Bothan Jean Blvd., Suite #004, Dallas, TX 75215).

Meg Bittner, executive director of SPARK! said, “As an inaugural grantee of the Meow Wolf Foundation for 2023-2024, SPARK! Dallas is honored to announce Meow Wolf Grapevine as a presenting sponsor, which will contribute to the success of the PRISMATIC Art Pop-up Experience. This partnership not only provides financial backing, but also offers amazing opportunities for student enrichment, including behind-the-scenes tours at Meow Wolf Grapevine, mentorship from Meow Wolf's Exhibitions team members and funding for materials.”

SPARK! received 22 submissions, and the following six public high schools were selected to participate based on their creativity, design elements and proposal submission:

• CityLab High School (Dallas ISD) – Dream Cream(sicle) (coral)
• Hillcrest High School (Dallas ISD) – Fungi Delight (red)
• Newman Smith High School (Carrollton/Farmers Branch ISD) – Orange Lovers (orange)
• West Mesquite High School (Mesquite ISD) – Snake Eyes (green)
• Williams High School (Plano ISD) – Automation Biker Frogs (purple)
• Woodrow Wilson High School (Dallas ISD) – Moonlight Sonata  (blue)

In addition to being the presenting sponsor and major funder for this initiative, Meow Wolf Grapevine is offering mentorship to the students and an opportunity to show the community their artistic creations come alive when the exhibition opens.

“I am thrilled to mentor SPARK! Dallas students to inspire and empower young creators,” said Exhibition Manager for Meow Wolf Grapevine Christy Howell. “This PRISMATIC Art Pop-up Experience offers students a platform to unleash their imagination and creativity. This partnership epitomizes the dynamic convergence of art, technology, and engineering, offering students an unparalleled chance to delve into immersive design concepts.”

“Partnering with SPARK!, we are eager to see these innovative projects.”  said Lead Exhibition Technical Engineer at Meow Wolf Daniel Bornhorst.  “Meow Wolf Grapevine specializes in integrating traditional art with cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences. From sound processing and lighting to scent design, we blend various elements to craft truly unique experiences which makes this partnership perfect.”

Bittner added, “These public high school students are amazingly talented, and I am impressed with how they have thoughtfully sketched and are creating their rooms into an interactive and immersive pop-up experience perfect for social media moments. I invite everyone to come see it and celebrate these students’ success.”

Exhibit hours:

Open to public starting June 1-Sept. 29

Fridays: 1:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Sundays: 1:00-6:00 p.m.

Adult Nights (age 21+): Thursdays starting June 6-Sept. 26,5:00-9:00 p.m.

Ticket prices:

Adults regular admission:  $25

Children (ages 2-17) :  $23

Teachers (with Teacher ID): $20

Adult Night (age 21+): $40, includes 2 drink tickets

All tickets include the PRISMATIC exhibit and admission to the play sculpture areas.

Learn more and make a ticket reservation: https://sparkdallas.org/prismatic/ or 214.421.7727.

About SPARK! Dallas:

A nonprofit founded in 2010, SPARK! Dallas provides children from second grade to high school 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, 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/.

ABOUT MEOW WOLF:

Meow Wolf is not your typical arts and entertainment company; they’re the creators of extraordinary, mind-bending experiences that transport millions of adventurers of all ages into breathtaking realms of imagination and wonder. As the proud recipients of numerous accolades, including Time Out's #1 Immersive Experience in the US (2023), Fast Company's World's 50 Most Innovative Companies (2022 and 2020), and USA Today's Top 10 Best Immersive Art Experiences (2022), Meow Wolf is committed to engaging curious seekers through the magic of discovery and play. They are distinct in their collaboration with hundreds of visionary artists who infuse creativity into every Meow Wolf experience. The journey began with the THEA Award-winning House Of Eternal Return in Santa Fe (2016), a mystery house with hidden passages and mesmerizing art exhibits. In Las Vegas, Omega Mart (2021) presented a surreal grocery store experience. Denver's Convergence Station (2021) appeared as a maximalist architectural marvel linking four alien worlds. In July 2023, Meow Wolf unveiled The Real Unreal in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and plans to open a new location in Houston in 2024. As a certified B-Corporation, Meow Wolf leads in themed entertainment, innovating and celebrating human imagination. All are invited to join a journey that defies convention, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

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SPARK! Dallas PRISMATIC WINNING TEAMS:

CityLab High School – Dream Cream(sicle) (coral)

Advisor: Kelsey Turner Creators: Brian, Diego, Jennifer, Jose, Kevin, Princess, Sebastian

A creamsicle comes from the sky into a living room on the top story of a building. The creamsicle is in the middle of the room and has broken a part of the wall and ceiling. This living room resembles a crime scene where the room also has clues about why this creamsicle is in the room in the first place in which includes the immersive part like parts of the room being a scavenger hunt. The room includes a coffee table that the creamsicle crashed into, a bookshelf with books on the floor, a couch and pinboard with connected dots related to the crash of the creamsicle to start up the scavenger hunt.

Hillcrest High School – Fungi Delight (red)

Advisor: Karleen Hesselbacher Creators: Dana, Inergee, Kyra

The design includes a textured floor (red moss and red turf) accompanied with different species of handmade mushrooms and natural looking elements. On the ceiling, we incorporate different aspects of nature, such as poppies and red spider lilies with fairy lights. On the walls, we utilize a 3-D mushroom design that extrudes outwards and adds depth to the space. There are glowing mushrooms surrounding the bigger mushrooms that visitors can sit on and take selfies. The mushroom chairs are main focal point of the room. The room transports viewers to an environment that would remind them of storybooks by Lewis Carroll. We also incorporate additional senses with scents as well as the visual and tactile aspects.

Newman Smith High School – Orange Lovers (orange)

Advisor: Allison Ketchersid  Creators: Cora, Haydrienne, Hazel, Triniti

The design was inspired by many beautiful poems using oranges as a sign of love and the beauty of having someone to make your life just a bit easier. This metaphor is shown throughout the room by many different sketches of peeled orange “furniture” such as cushions, a peelable orange table, even small peelings used as light decor. The idea of the theme was to be seen as a place to relax and be at ease just lounging with someone. A gesture to prove love is not something grand and always upbeat, but to have times of calm and peace. One wall has round orange movable dioramas showing the growth of a relationship such as dates, and even a proposal. Along one mirrored wall, inspired by Yayoi Kusama's Pumpkins, is hope reflecting that love only needs commitment to grow.

West Mesquite High School – Snake Eyes (green)

Advisor: Megan Eakins  Creators: Chris, Emma, Esmerelda, Haley, Heaven, Jasmine, Mariah

The design is based on a thick tropical rainforest. Using green as our main color, we fill the room with vegetation and highlight focus points in the room with UV paint to glow under a black light. The story behind our room is that highly valuable crystals are scattered throughout the forest; people who have succumbed to greed and stolen from the forest have faced its wrath and have been permanently trapped in the forest.

Williams High School – Automation Biker Frogs (purple)

Advisor: Emily Garner  Creators: Archie, Birdie, Cale

We wanted to replicate a Western town with a cartoony style. To design our village, we are creating a saloon, sheriff's office/jail, bank and general store. We add components like astroturf  “sand,” barrels, backdrops and a water trough to give the room more details that will interest the guests and add to the aesthetic. Our room has multiple interactive components like funny items in the market, multiple silly animals, walkable saloon doors, a hidden cat, wanted snake signs, and a scavenger hunt to find all the snakes because they “escaped” from the jail.

Woodrow Wilson High School – Moonlight Sonata (blue)

Advisor: Jessica Raff  Creators: Sera, Karen, Kara, Dascha

Step into this enchanting world where the theme revolves around a mesmerizing moon light. The walls are adorned with a breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains, providing a sense of depth to the room. Playful swirly clouds, painted in vibrant patterns, dance across the ceiling, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The focal point of the room is a moon with its own swirly designs, casting a cool and mysterious glow. The moon's glow on the ground adds a touch of magic, contrasting beautifully with the darker hues of the clouds. The overall effect is a vibrant and lively ambiance, evoking the warmth of twilight scene. This space is designed to inspire creativity and ignite the imaginations of the little ones who enter, turning bedtime into a magical adventure. With soft clouds, this room invites kids into a world of dreams beneath the moon.

Dallas’ Dr. Charlotte Hodges is one of three bariatric surgeons featured in TLC’s new series “Botched Bariatrics.” The show tells the stories of patients who have suffered profoundly since their original bariatric surgeries were performed, and how new teams of bariatric and plastic surgeons take on the arduous and difficult task of correcting the prior surgical mistakes so that patients can have their lives back.  

“Patients turn to bariatric surgery to help them lose weight and regain control of their lives, and unfortunately, sometimes these surgeries, when poorly performed, create even more problems,” said Dr. Hodges. “I’m honored to be featured on this new show with other doctors who are working to correct some of the worst cases and enable patients to begin living the transformed lives they envisioned when first undergoing bariatric surgery.”

“Botched Bariatrics” is debuting as a three-part series, with shows on May 15^th (“Cut the Crap”), May 22^nd (“Holy Moly”) and May 29^th (“Butt Out”).  The patients highlighted are all in dire need of help, ranging from a woman who can only eat pureed food to a man living with explosive bowels. Dr. Hodges’ patients are featured in the first two episodes on the 15^th and 22^nd. The trailer for “Botched Bariatrics” can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NOhuzXOvdE

About Dr. Hodges

Dr. Charlotte Hodges is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery. She is an Advanced Laparoscopic General and Bariatric Surgeon who has practiced in DFW since 2011. She has performed over 3000 general and bariatric procedures. Dr. Hodges received her medical degree from Texas A&M University Health Science Center and completed her general surgery residency at Baylor University Medical Center. She is a Fellow and member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as well as a member of the Obesity Medicine Association, Texas Medical Association and Dallas County Medical Society.  She is the Chair of the Surgery Department at White Rock Medical Center and the center’s Bariatric Director.

Dr. Hodges offers her patients both medical and surgical weight loss options, and performs all weight loss procedures, including laparoscopic revision bariatric surgery.

Dr. Hodges made Dallas her home in 2006 when she began her surgical residency. She met her husband during her fourth year of residency, and they had their daughter, Margie, in 2015.  She enjoys playing Mah Jong and revels in being a cheer mom.

Grant Halliburton Foundation held its 15^th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel on April 19where nearly 700 people attended to raise funds for the nonprofit. The event raised more than $350,000—a record for the nonprofit organization.

During the reception, guests enjoyed the champagne wall and mental wellness activities. While DJ Lucy Wrubel played entertaining tunes, guests wrote and drew on the Hope wall, bid on a raffle packages, and made connections at the Beacon Brews Coffee House.

The luncheon kicked off with the L.D. Bell High School (Hurst) Bell Tones and Decibelles singing “You Will be Found” from the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen.

Jenny Anchondo, host and producer of CW33’s “Inside DFW,” welcomed everyone. Rev. Katie Newsome, executive director and lead pastor of Union Coffee, gave the invocation. Guests ate lunch and visited at their tables.

Anchondo introduced The Beacon Award honoree through a video. This year’s honoree was Eric Nadel, Voice of the Texas Rangers, who was open about his struggles with depression and mental health issues during last year’s baseball season. Nadel spoke openly about his struggles and came back the last couple of months of the season—just in time to commentate the Rangers winning the World Series.

Next, attendees watched a video about Grant Halliburton Foundation and its work. Foundation President Kevin Hall spoke next. “We envision a world where suicide is no longer a leading cause of death for young people and where everyone affected by mental illness has the support and resources they need.” He discussed all the services that the Foundation provides in English and Spanish.

The 2024 luncheon co-chairs, Natalie Hatchett and Courtney Hubbard, thanked sponsors including presenting sponsor Emily Lewis, Vice Chairs Chris and Brent Bolding, Founding Luncheon Chair Barb Farmer and the others for their support.

A video told of Hatchett and Hubbard’s close friendship spanning three decades with all of life’s milestones. Hatchett shared openly about her son Preston having mental health issues and depression. He died by suicide at age 20 in 2021. After the video and many tears from them and the audience, the co-chairs asked for people to support Grant Halliburton Foundation by giving hope. Many people were moved to give generously.

Katie Norris, producer and founder of nonprofit Fotolanthropy, introduced the featured speakers Kevin Berthia, suicide prevention advocate and suicide attempt survivor, and Kevin Briggs, California Highway Patrolman and author of Guardian of the Golden Gate: Protecting the Line Between Hope and Despair. Fotolanthropy is creating 92 Minutes, a feature documentary, on their powerful story. She showed a short clip of the film, and then the Kevins spoke about the day they met in 2005 on the Golden Gate Bridge when Berthia was about to take his life.

Though both came from different neighborhoods, they both had trying circumstances, suicides, mental illness and depression as a common bond. When Berthia was on the Golden Gate Bridge to end his life, he said, “This voice distracted me. His voice was of hope, peace, compassion. It’s the first time I talked about me, the real me.” That day marked Berthia’s 11^th suicide attempt. With Briggs asking him questions about his life, after 92 minutes, Berthia chose to come back over the rail. This moment was captured by a photographer resulting in an image shared globally. Fast forward to 2013, Berthia attempted suicide 22 times.

In 2013, Briggs won an award for his service as a California Highway Patrol, and he asked Berthia’s mom if Kevin would present this award. Berthia reluctantly agreed to do it and to tell his story, which he had not done. Berthia said, “A woman came up to me afterwards and said she hadn’t slept in five years and told me my story gave her hope. She said, ‘I now know how Jacob (her son) felt, and I can sleep tonight.” This moment was a pivotal one for Berthia.

Since 2013, Briggs and Berthia have shared their story connection, hope and listening to encourage people to live life to the fullest.  

The Beacon of Hope Luncheon supports Grant Halliburton Foundation’s work to provide education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health.In the last 18 years, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to nearly 325,000 students, educators, parents and professionals, thanks to funds raised from the Beacon of Hope Luncheon. To learn more, visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.

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.