Taylor Swift gives over $2 million to various charities in holiday donation spree

Taylor Swift opened her heart and purse strings , inking seven-digit checks to various charities fighting hunger , cardiovascular disease and the struggles of fellow artists, the nonprofit groups said Tuesday. The "'tis the damn season" singer gave $1 million to Feeding America, another $1 million to the American Heart Association and a "generous donation" to the Recording Academy's MusiCares, according to separate statements from those charities. "We remain 'Fearless' in our relentless commitment to prevent heart disease" and help Americans long live , the century-old AHA said in a statement . Swift’s donation to the American Heart Association clearly had a personal connection, as her father, Scott Swift, had quintuple bypass surgery in June . "Taylor's contribution enables the advancement of ongoing scientific research, stronger prevention and treatment efforts and expanded access to life-saving care for every community," the group said. Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said her group is "incredibly grateful" for Swift's backing. "This holiday season, her continued support is a powerful reminder of what's possible when we unite to end hunger," she said in a statement . On Wednesday, the Academy of Country Music said it was "enchanted to be a recipient of Taylor Swift's incredible generosity." The two-time ACM entertainer of the year's donation will benefit the ACM Lifting Lives campaign, which helps musicians dancing through the lightning strikes of economic hardships brought on by health struggles , the academy said. Country music can be an empowering force and "Taylor embodies that all too well ," the academy said. Swift's fans have also been in the giving mood this holiday season, donating to Taylor-adjacent efforts. During her recent “The End of an Era” docuseries , fan favorite dancer Kameron Saunders revealed that when he was first invited to audition for Swift's Eras Tour , he didn't have money to travel. He asked his brother, NFL defensive tackle Khalen Saunders , for help to buy the plane ticket and he obliged, according to Kam. Khalen Saunders joked recently that Swift's fans thanked him for supporting his brother, but "ain't nobody asked me what I want for Christmas." Swift's fans responded by inundating the player's charity Original Element Foundation, which promotes sports for all groups, such as LGBTQ+ youth , with $13 (Swift's lucky number) donations. "Thank yall so much," Khalen Saunders wrote . "I truly am so grateful to have support like this. I can assure you that every single one of these dollars will be poured right back into the community!"

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