Celebrating its 13th anniversary, the Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit on May 29at the Longhorn Ballroom raised more than $173,000—a new record—for Grant Halliburton Foundation with 640 in attendance. The evening included a VIP party for sponsors with food from Eddie’s Tex-Mex Cocina where Nadel visited with and took photos with guests. The evening included live and silent auctions and music performances by double headliners The Secret Sisters and Shinyribs. The event was presented by Haynes Boone, and the media sponsor is KXT 91.7.
Eric Nadel, Texas Rangers Hall of Fame broadcaster and mental health advocate, hosted the annual birthday benefit and welcomed guests.
“I’m thrilled that you are here to help celebrate my birthday,” Nadel said. “We started off at The Kessler, but we ran out of space because more people wanted to attend. So we moved to the Longhorn Ballroom, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Five years ago, I decided to partner with Grant Halliburton Foundation, a Dallas nonprofit that provides mental health education, resources, and support to children, teens, and their families. The work they do is important, and I want you to know more about them.”
Nadel then introduced Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation president.
“Eric, we’re grateful for your courage and inspiration as a dedicated mental health advocate and for the impact you’ve made for us,” Kevin Hall said. “We’re honored to be the beneficiary again. I want all of you to know more about our organization through this video.”
After the video played, Ronnie Conger, auctioneer, invited those who purchased beads to stand up to play a spirited game of heads or tails. Then he led the live auction, which included watching a Texas Rangers game with Eric Nadel, a Jazz Cruise getaway with Elvis Costello and Boz Scaggs and a dinner with Texas Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy.
Following the live auction, Alabama-based The Secret Sisters played their emotional songs and ended by singing happy birthday to Nadel who joined them on stage. Then, Shinyribs, led by the animated Kevin Russell performed their blend of Texas blues, New Orleans R&B funk and horn-inspired Memphis soul music. Russell even took to the floor dancing enthusiastically with several guests, while others danced.
For more information and a complete list of sponsors, visit https://www.granthalliburton.org/ericnadel.
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 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 350,000 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.