WEST BOYLSTON — One of Taylor Swift’s biggest fans is out with an invitation and instead of “meeting her at midnight,” 5-year-old Ava Blazis , of Sutton, wants the community to come to Gerardo’s Italian Bakery Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
The bakery is hosting a “Taylor Swift Night” at its West Boylston location, offering Swift-themed cupcakes, cookies and, of course, friendship bracelets. What’s more, the bakery will treat the public to a free cannoli at the bakery’s cannoli-making station.
About five years ago, the bakery began raising money for charitable causes this time of year.
“This time of year is our slow time,” said Chris Halliday, manager of Gerardo’s and nephew of the original Gerardo, himself. “We have the facility and we want to put it to good use, so we thought, ‘Why not?'”
In the past they’ve raised money for several organizations including an animal rescue in Sterling and for an autism organization.
“For me, this is the best (cause) yet,” Halliday said. “This little girl Ava … I’ve been watching her (on social media) battle leukemia for a year now. You get that feeling like you want to do something, but what can you really do? So after the holiday season we decided there is something we can do.”