Photo courtesy of New York Jets
NFL players, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys and Solomon Thomas of the New York Jets, will be the featured speakers for Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon.
Both men have been active in their missions to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Prescott established the Faith Fight Finish Foundation as a tribute to his mom, Peggy, who lost her battle with colon cancer in 2013. The foundation also honors his brother, Jace, who died by suicide in 2020. The Faith Fight Finish Foundation invests in a better future by empowering individuals, families and communities to find strength through adversity. The foundation focuses on 4 main initiatives: colon cancer research, mental health; suicide prevention, bridging the gap between law enforcement, youth and the communities they serve, and offering assistance to those facing life-challenging hardships.
Thomas lost his sister, Ella, to suicide in 2018. He cofounded The Defensive Line with his parents, Martha and Chris Thomas. The organization’s mission is to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming the way we communicate and connect about mental health. Solomon was the recipient of the 2019 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Lifesavers Award and works with the NFL to help improve mental health programming in the league.
“We invite you to join us for a conversation with two NFL athletes, Dak and Solomon, who found strength in vulnerability,” said Kevin Hall, Preston Hollow resident, and president of Grant Halliburton Foundation. “Both athletes have made mental health and suicide prevention a priority, and their stories will help Grant Halliburton Foundation as we work to curb this epidemic and keep our young people healthy and here.”
The Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder before his suicide death at the age of 19. The foundation works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through education, conferences, collaborations, and encouragement. Since 2006, the Grant Halliburton Foundation has provided mental heath education, training, and support to more than 300,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals.
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.
Starting at 10:30 a.m., the luncheon Welcome Reception begins, and guests can purchase raffle tickets for a variety of raffle packages. DJ Lucy Wrubel will provide pre-luncheon entertainment during the reception. The program featuring the conversation with Prescott and Thomas begins at 11:30 a.m. with Steve Noviello, Emmy award-winning FOX 4 News anchor and reporter as emcee. Andy Adler, CBS 11 sports anchor and children’s rights activist, will serve as the moderator.
The Beacon of Hope Luncheon is on March 7 at the Omni Hotel. Tickets are $225 per person, and sponsorships start at $2,500. To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.
