Jiggle for Jamison dance party great success

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 8:00am

    Edgecomb Eddy School held a wild and crazy dance party fundraiser called “Jiggle for Jamison” on Friday afternoon, April 14, in honor of the school’s student and friend, Jamison Brooks. Brooks, 5, attends kindergarten in Tanya Thibault's special education class. He was diagnosed with pilimyxoid astrocytoma, a rare brain and spinal cancer, when he was a young infant. Last Friday, Jamison was a bit under the weather and couldn't attend his own party, but school staff said he was doing well, despite his absence.

    The money raised during the fundraiser, initiated by Thibault and fifth graders Catherine Clifford and Piper Carleton, was going toward new winter playground equipment, such as a sled scooter and a plasma bicycle for Jamison to help him with balance.

    Carleton explained she and Clifford had wanted to do something for Jamison and because he loves music and loves to sing and dance, they came up with the idea for the dance party. On Friday, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., the whole school gathered behind Edgecomb Eddy and partied.

    It was the perfect day to celebrate a friend and a great way to begin April vacation. The spring sky stretched toward summer and the breezes were warm. The music was loud and happy and everybody was dancing, from kindergarteners to sixth graders, teachers, staff, and anyone caught up in the moment on the playground. They danced to songs like “Geronimo” by Sheppard, and formed a line to do the Bunny Hop. They did the Chicken Dance. Like the poster promised, they had a blast!

    While the fundraising total was not immediately available, Clifford was optimistic about the amount raised. Further donations can be sent to Edgecomb Eddy School, 157 Boothbay Road, Edgecomb, ME 04556. Please write: “for Jamison” on the envelope.