The Big D NYE Spirit Award presented by NorthPark Center is an annual recognition granted to a deserving group or individual from the region, as selected by Big D NYE producers. The award is presented during the live broadcast and is displayed on screens throughout the venue. Past recipients include:

• Family and surviving members of Fort Hood Troops that were attacked by a fellow soldier on the Fort Hood military base located just outside of Killeen, Texas.  It was the worst shooting to ever take place on an American military base.

• The Storch Family of Coppell, Texas. Their daughter, Taylor, a vivacious 13-year-old, was killed in a 2010 skiing accident.  Her family donated her organs and then set up a foundation to promote organ donation called Taylor’s Gift.  The touching story about a donor recipient’s life that Taylor’s heart saved made national and international headlines and encouraged people all over the world to sign up for organ donation.

• The Dallas Mavericks were honored with the award for becoming the NBA World Champions and making basketball fans out of everyone! Mavericks general manager and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson accepted the award on behalf of the team.