Taylor Swift to Receive 'Big Help' Award From Nickelodeon and First Lady Michelle Obama

Posted Mar 27th 2012 2:45PM by Stephen L. Betts
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Since her career began just a few short years ago, Taylor Swift has not only become a global entertainment icon, she's also been a big help to a lot of people. Now, in recognition of Taylor's philanthropic efforts, First Lady Michelle Obama will be on hand at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards this weekend to present Taylor with The Big Help Award in recognition of the superstar's extensive charity work, especially with tornado and flood survivors in the United States.

The Big Help Award recognizes individuals who take actions to better the world and whose significant impact on their community has inspired kids to do the same.

"Taylor's dedication to helping others has encouraged her fan base to do the same, and this is the very core of what The Big Help is, inspiring others through action," says Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Chief of Staff, Nickelodeon Group. "We are honored that First Lady Michelle Obama, a past recipient of The Big Help Award will be presenting this formidable and inspiring artist with this much deserved honor."

The First Lady is a past recipient of The Big Help Award, having been honored at the 2010 Kids' Choice Awards in recognition of her leadership in championing healthier lifestyles for kids through her Let's Move! campaign, in which Taylor also participated. Earlier this year, Mrs. Obama also appeared in a special episode of Nickelodeon's hit series 'iCarly' in support of her Joining Forces initiative to support military families.

In May 2011, Taylor opened the final dress rehearsal of her Speak Now world tour to fans as a fundraiser for victims of the deadly tornadoes that tore through the Southeastern region of the U.S. a month earlier. The event raised more than $750,000, with 100 percent of ticket sales going directly to aid tornado victims via the "Speak Now ... Help Now" fund established through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The 22-year-old's ongoing charitable work includes partnerships with Make-a-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Medical Center, Habitat for Humanity, TJ Martell Foundation, the Red Cross and its international and regional affiliates, the Salvation Army, Nick's Kids and the Victory Junction Gang Camp, as well as libraries, schools and educational initiatives around the country.

Taylor is also nominated for Kids' Choice awards in the Favorite Female Singer and Favorite Song ('Sparks Fly') categories.

The Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, hosted by Will Smith, will be telecast live on Nickelodeon Saturday, March 31, at 8:00 PM ET (delayed PT) from USC's Galen Center in Los Angeles.

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