It is with great regret the DFW Hospital Council (DFWHC) announced today the cancellation of its in-person 72nd Annual Awards Luncheon originally scheduled for October 14 at the Irving Convention Center.

While the Luncheon has been cancelled, virtual recognition of the recipients of the Distinguished Health Service Award, Young Healthcare Executive of the Year Award and the Kerney Laday, Sr. Trustee of the Year Award will still take place, with a video to be created honoring these important friends of healthcare.

“Following a meeting with our board of trustees, we decided it was in the best interest for all involved if the Annual Awards Luncheon was cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus,” said Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. “It was not an easy decision to cancel an event that has honored so many heroes over the decades who have supported quality healthcare in North Texas. Since the luncheon attracts approximately 1,000 attendees, we believe in the current COVID-19 pandemic such a gathering would not be a good public health decision.”

Young Healthcare and Kerney Laday, Sr. nominees are still being accepted until the July 17 deadline. The DFWHC Board of Trustees will judge the nominees and announce the recipients in August. The Distinguished Health Service Award, an honor dating back to 1947, will also be determined by the Board and announced during the same month. A virtual video honoring these recipients will be posted and distributed in October.

Next year’s Annual Awards Luncheon has already been scheduled for October 20, 2021 at the Irving Convention Center. This year’s original keynote speaker Jim Craig, will serve as speaker during the event.

“We are thankful to the Irving Convention Center and Jim Craig for graciously working with us during these difficult times,” Love said. “We are looking forward to hosting our Luncheon in Irving and hearing Jim Craig’s patriotic message.”

For questions, please contact Chris Wilson at chrisw@dfwhc.org.