2026 Hope Party season kicks off Aug. 5 at Hôtel Swexan ahead of the Nov. 20 gala at The Statler
Dallas, Texas -- 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. 4.
"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 depression 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 prevention 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.
