A St. Catherine’s family won the Taylor Swift raffle for Marist high school to go see her perform in Paris this May. MHS Media was able to get an exclusive interview with the winning family.

“This opportunity is incredible for us. Our youngest is on the spectrum so it is incredibly hard for my wife and I to both travel and explore the world together. This gives us an opportunity to do that,” said John Jordan who won the raffle.

On February 7, Marist High School announced the raffle on their social media accounts. One thousand tickets were sold for 100 dollars each. The winner was drawn on February 14. The prize includes 2 tickets to the concert in Paris, a $5000. cash allowance to spend while there, a 3-night stay at the Pullman Paris Montparnasse Hotel, and framed Taylor Swift lyrics memorabilia.

“Winning the raffle was incredibly exciting. We honestly couldn’t believe it. People were texting us at work and we didn’t believe it at first. Still seems unreal,” he said.

Jordan entered the raffle because he loves the game of chance.

“ I only purchased one ticket so the odds were not in my favor. Our niece is a huge fan of Taylor Swift and the chance to see her perform live in Paris was too good to pass up. Plus, I would be the best uncle if we won,” he said.

Jordan is the father of two boys, ages 9 and 10, and the uncle of a niece who is 14. All are students at St.Catherine’s school in Oak Lawn. The niece and mom will attend the concert, but the whole family will be going to Paris.

“The decision was difficult at first but we are a team and it’s all or nothing,” Jordan said.

Taylor Swift has been on tour for close to a year. People often spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to attend one of her shows.

“Our niece is a huge ‘swiftie.’ She’s ecstatic about attending the concert. I think my wife is secretly a ‘swiftie’ too,” he said.

On days the concert is not taking place, the family plans to check some items off their bucket list while in Paris.

“In addition to attending the concert we are going to Disneyland Paris with the kids and exploring famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and enjoying French baguettes and croissants.”

The family is excited and are preparing for their upcoming trip to Paris on May 9-12.

“This will be something the kids remember forever,” Jordan said.