Sixth annual bake sale set for Jamison Novello

Jamison Novello was a bright and spirited teenager whose vibrant personality and kind nature left a lasting impact on the Rockville Centre community. As a sophomore at South Side High School, she was known for her talent and her passion for dance. Tragically, Jamison took her own life on March 21, 2019, at the age of 15. 

However, her memory continues to live on through the efforts of her family and friends, who have channeled their grief into creating meaningful initiatives, including the Jamison Novello Still Sparkling Foundation, which focuses on suicide awareness and prevention.

Jamison’s mother, Kimberly McGuigan, has been a driving force behind these efforts. 

“As a parent, this is everyone’s worst nightmare,” McGuigan told The Herald. “She was one of the kindest people that I’ve ever met.” 

Her determination to honor her daughter’s legacy led to the creation of several fundraising events and scholarships that keep Jamison’s spirit alive.

The annual bake sale fundraiser, now its sixth year, will take place on Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. just outside McGuigan’s home at 35 Burtis Ave. in Rockville Centre.

Proceeds raised from the bake sale will go to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and a scholarship fund that McGuigan established at the Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan, where Jamison honed her talent.

The bake sale, which began as a Sweet 16 celebration for Jamison, has raised significant funds in the past six years, including more than $45,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, $4,000 for the Long Island Crisis Center, and over $100,000 for the Jamison Novello Scholarship Fund at the dance center. 

The scholarship helps inner-city kids who cannot afford programs at the Broadway Dance Center, by giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

This past year, the Still Sparkling Foundation, with the help of local law firm Falcon, Rappaport and Berkman, launched as a nonprofit focused on continuing Jamison’s legacy. 

McGuigan also plans to expand the foundation’s reach, engaging district schools in activities that foster personal connections and provide valuable information about mental health. 

She includes her three younger children, ages 12, 10, and 9, in these efforts, ensuring they remember Jamison and feel comfortable talking about her.

The upcoming bake sale on Sept. 14 is another opportunity for the community to come together in support of this important cause. 

For more information on the foundation and its initiatives, visit JamisonsDream.com.