Baseball player hopes to destigmatize mental health

By Juliette Coulter

Drew Robinson,  former Major League Baseball player and current mental health advocate for the San Francisco Giants, will headline Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 16th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on Tuesday, March 25, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Joining him as moderator is Eric Nadel, voice of the Texas Rangers and mental health advocate.

In 2020, Robinson miraculously survived a suicide attempt, resulting in a new-found purpose of helping others and destigmatizing mental health. 

After playing 12 seasons of professional baseball, Drew retired following the 2021 season to pursue a full-time role as a mental health advocate, the first of its kind in MLB. Leveraging his tagline, Strength Isn’t Always Physical, Robinson is dedicated to sharing his journey and showcasing vulnerability to prevent suicide and promote mental health care.

Robinson said: “With many youth and young adults facing mental health challenges, it’s important that these issues are openly discussed and addressed. While it’s not easy to share my story, I hope to empower those struggling to speak up, ask for support, and remind them that they are not alone. I’m thankful for Grant Halliburton Foundation’s critical work and honored to support such an important cause.”

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Texas youth ages 10-24 (CDC). 

The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon aims to bring focus to the vital work needed to educate the North Texas community on adolescent mental health and suicide prevention. Through its work in North Texas schools and communities, Grant Halliburton Foundation aims to change this reality as it works to promote awareness and understanding of teen and young adult mental health and to prevent suicide.

The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon supports Grant Halliburton Foundation’s work to provide education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health. 

Chris and Brent Bolding are the 2025 Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon co-chairs. The luncheon vice chairs are Amy and Michael Roseman. The founding luncheon chair is Barb Farmer. 

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said“We invite you to join us for this important conversation with Drew Robinson, who will share his story of hope, recovery, and suicide prevention. Drew’s journey highlights the importance of vulnerability and knowing how to seek help for yourself or someone you love. Our moderator and friend, Eric Nadel, who has openly shared his mental health challenges, will guide this meaningful and impactful discussion.”

Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to nearly 350,000 students, educators, parents and professionals, thanks to funds raised from the Beacon of Hope Luncheon. 

To learn more visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.