Steaks on the Lake Celebrates Anniversary, New Name
On Friday, Nov. 22, a crowd of more than 400 guests filled The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum for an evening of food, fun, and fundraising for Grant Halliburton Foundation.
Celebrating its 10th year, Steaks on the Lake (named after its humble beginnings with views of White Rock Lake) is an annual party that brings together supporters of the Foundation and its mission to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens, and young adults; promote better mental health; and prevent suicide. During the event, organizers announced that the yearly gala would be renamed The Hope Party going forward.
A VIP Sponsor Reception kicked off the affair before members of the party band Downtown Fever formed a traveling line of horns leading guests into the main event. There, Emcee Steve Noviello, FOX 4 News consumer reporter, greeted the crowd before introducing Event Chairs Jeanie and Bert Conly who spoke about their longtime commitment to the Foundation and its personal connection to their lives.
After dinner, Vanita Halliburton, co-founder and executive chairman of Grant Halliburton Foundation, introduced Missy and Richard Fischer as the 2019 honorary chairs. Richard, the former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve of Dallas, gave a few remarks where he highlighted their special connection to the Foundation. Richard’s daughter, Texana, was one of the last people to speak with Grant Halliburton, Vanita’s son for whom the Foundation is named.
Following Richard’s remarks, Vanita updated attendees on how much Steaks on the Lake has grown and how the Foundation continues to reach more and more people each year remarking, “one of our primary goals as a Foundation is to educate people about mental health and suicide prevention. We’re in the schools and in the community year-round, teaching youth and all the adults in their lives how to recognize and respond to someone who may be in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. In the last decade, Grant Halliburton Foundation has trained more than 166,000 students, teachers, parents, and professionals — including over 46,000 in this year alone.”
She closed her remarks with a personal toast to HOPE saying, “for this generation of children and generations to come, may they find strength for the journey; support from wise and loving community of family, teachers, mentors and friends; and may the day come when youth suicide is a thing of the past.”
Auctioneer Wendy Lambert helped get the party going again, leading live auction activities. Then, Foundation President Kevin Hall took to the stage for a special video announcing that Steaks on the Lake would henceforth be known as The Hope Party. As balloons fell from the ceiling, the band began playing and attendees danced the night away, making plans to return next year for The Hope Party on Nov. 20, 2020, at The Bomb Factory.
