Pop singer Taylor Swift was in the house (at least a cardboard cutout of her was) last Friday evening, April 19, at a fundraiser sponsored by Christmas Wishes Ulster County, a non-profit organization founded in 2014 to help families during the Christmas season, but are now helping families all year long due to generous donors and volunteers.
The event was held at the Town of Esopus town hall and celebrated the recent release of Taylor Swift’s new record album The Tortured Poets Department. There were tables set up for the Swifties, who are very passionate and loyal fans of the singer, to indulge in things all Taylor Swift — tattoos, making beaded friendship bracelets, getting colored hair streamers by a beautician, raffles, dancing to Taylor Swift’s music and more! The young Swifties, with the oldest being eight years old, had a wonderful time and their mothers or guardians joined in the fun. Many mothers and daughters came dressed for the occasion with sequins and sparkles. When the records started to spin, the Swifties sung the words of every song. This was better than a concert!!
As the evening ended, I walked away learning a lot about Taylor Swift and have a new appreciation for her influence on the youth, her talent, staying power and stardom. I may be new at this, but just call me McSwiftie.
For more information on Christmas Wishes Ulster County, please call 845-853-0496 or go to http://www.christmaswishesuc.org.
Join the family! 
