Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce fans raise over $17K for children’s charity after wedding
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fans are celebrating Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s marriage by giving back after the newlyweds donated $26 million to various charity organizations just days before tying the knot.
Swifties have carried forward the couple’s spirit of generosity by supporting causes they care about, including a fundraiser for Operation Breakthrough, a nonprofit that provides early childhood education, health services, and family support programs to children and families in need.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce fans support Operation Breakthrough fundraiser
One of the biggest fan-led efforts raised about $17,500 for Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City, where Kelce plays for the Chiefs. The fundraiser was organized by Olivia Levin, creator of the Instagram account @swiftiesforeternity, who said she wanted to give fans “a meaningful way” to celebrate the couple’s wedding because they have long supported the organization.
Levin encouraged fans to donate in increments of $13.87, combining Swift’s lucky number, 13, with Kelce’s jersey number, 87, or contribute “whatever amount they were comfortable giving.”
“When I saw that they had asked their wedding guests for absolutely no gifts and had instead donated $26 million to charities ahead of the wedding, it inspired me to find a way for fans to celebrate the occasion by giving back as well,” Levin told PEOPLE.
The fundraiser surpassed expectations after Levin shared it on Instagram on Swift and Kelce’s wedding day. While the campaign itself raised more than $17,500, many fans told her they donated directly through Operation Breakthrough’s website.
According to the organization, the combined total exceeded $20,000. “Most of the donations were in $13.87 increments, which made it especially meaningful to see so many people embrace the idea,” Levin said, adding that “showing up for others” has always been a “huge part” of Swiftie culture.
“Over the years, we’ve supported food banks, children’s hospitals, disaster relief efforts, and countless other causes inspired by Taylor’s own generosity,” Levin said, adding that those moments are documented in her New York Times bestselling book, 'The Story of Us.'
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s supporters expand charitable impact
On July 14, Operation Breakthrough shared a joint Instagram post with Levin featuring children individually saying, “Thank you Swifties!” before joining together to say, “Thank you for your generosity!” The organization also thanked supporters in the caption and a letter featuring a design inspired by Swift’s 'Lover' era.
“To everyone who joined this fundraiser totaling to $17,474.82, THANK YOU!,” the organization wrote, adding, “We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown through this special campaign celebrating Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce."
They further said, “Watching so many people turn a joyful moment into something that will make a real difference for our children and families has been incredibly meaningful.”
Operation Breakthrough noted that both Swift and Kelce have donated to the organization over the years. Kelce’s foundation, Eighty-Seven & Running, also powers the Operation Breakthrough Ignition Lab, which provides a safe environment, equipment, resources, and mentors to help teens ages 14 to 18 in under-resourced Kansas City neighborhoods develop entrepreneurial and STEM skills.
The organization further wrote, “Taylor and Travis have both shown such generosity to Operation Breakthrough, and seeing that same spirit reflected in their fans has been so heartwarming, every donation, whether it was $13.87 or any amount, helps create opportunities for the children we serve and reminds them that there are people across the country cheering them on.”
