Approximately a week before Christmas, Mary Esselman received a call from the team of Taylor Swift. The renowned singer expressed her desire to donate a generous sum of a quarter of a million dollars to Operation Breakthrough, the organization in Kansas City that Esselman oversees. “Our kids were absolutely thrilled,” the CEO shared. “We asked them if they’d like to create a small thank-you gesture, and their enthusiastic response was clear to see.” The children of Operation Breakthrough, a nonprofit dedicated to offering programs and high-quality childcare for the children of working families, put together a brief video expressing their gratitude for the superstar’s substantial donation of $250,000.
The funds from Swift’s donation will be allocated to support three key programs: the workforce development and entrepreneurship program, which features 10 labs where kids can learn valuable industry skills; the before and after school program, which provides essential childcare services for families during school breaks; and the early learners program. Esselman explained, “We have 432 students, ranging from infants to 5-year-olds, who attend daily for early education and care. Our aim is to ensure that every child is well-prepared for school.”
Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, has been a strong advocate and financial supporter of Operation Breakthrough for the past decade. Kelce’s involvement began shortly after Esselman assumed the role of CEO when he visited the campus for Read Across America Day. “He engaged with the preschool classrooms by reading to the children… and he kept returning,” Esselman recounted. In a YouTube video by the Kansas City Star, Kelce is seen donning his Chiefs’ jersey and a red-and-white hat while reading “Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss.
While Swift has not yet visited Operation Breakthrough, she recently visited Children’s Mercy Hospital. Esselman remains hopeful for a future visit, possibly alongside Travis, expressing gratitude for the singer’s meaningful contribution.
