The DFW Hospital Council announced today that recording artist Jennifer Nickerson will perform the National Anthem to open its 77th Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 24 at the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center. The event will take place in the Honor Ballroom, with a reception beginning at 11:00 a.m. followed by the luncheon and awards from 12 noon to 1:45 p.m.

A life-long resident of Dallas, Jennifer has been singing and playing piano in church since childhood. Over the years, she has performed the National Anthem at the Texas State Fair, Texas Rangers baseball games, Dallas Cowboys football games, the Texas Motor Speedway and before President George W. Bush.

She has recorded four country and western albums in Nashville, including “Girl Next Door,” “Keep On Keepin’ On,” “Waiting for You” and “Summer Wind.” The daughter of a West Point graduate, Jennifer’s single “America” was a tribute to his military service which she performed during a live broadcast of Good Morning Texas.

Since then, she has teamed with numerous like-minded organizations including American Airlines, Air Power Foundation, Wounded Warriors, and other special events to perform on military bases across the country. She has also performed at the Snowball Express honoring the families of fallen heroes.

Jennifer is also a popular on-stage host, most recently serving as the emcee of the Irving-Las Colinas Texas Business Awards and the Tech Allies’ Technology Ball. She also serves as the official brand ambassador of The National hotel in Oklahoma City.

Jennifer carries on a tradition at DFWHC’s Annual Awards Luncheon where regional talent performs the National Anthem, with past guests including AweDacity, Celena Rae, Carrie Barton, the Dallas Street Choir, Freddie Jones and Jason Castro.

During the luncheon, the Honorable Lyndon L. Olson, Jr. will receive the 2025 Distinguished Health Service Award. DFWHC will also present the 2025 Young Healthcare Executive of the Year award to Christina Mathis, CEO of Medical City Las Colinas; and the Kerney Laday, Sr. Trustee of the Year Award to John P. Boswell of Cook Children’s Health Care System.

Sponsorships and tickets are still available and can be found here.