Jillian Metcalf was a bright light on Fire Island. Word of her death on Dec. 1, 2021, reverberated across the beach like ripples on the shoreline, sending tremors across the ocean to all who knew and loved her.
Now her family and friends are on a mission to find meaning in her untimely passing with the creation of the Jillian A. Metcalf Charitable Foundation, already a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization.
J.A.M. Fest will be the official launch of this endeavor, with a fundraiser event to be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 11 p.m., at Kismet Park. (Near the tennis and basketball courts.)
“Our primary goal is to raise money to build an emergency use helicopter landing pad by the old Kismet Fire House on Burma Road,” explained Tanya Fuchs of Altantique, a board member of the fledgling foundation as well as longtime friend of Metcalf’s. “Jillian was a great person, with a heart of gold, who loved her family, friends, and community and we are looking to continue her legacy of helping others. After the landing pad is completed, we plan to keep her spirit of always helping people alive. The foundation will be a lifelong nonprofit to raise money for scholarships for nursing students and/or local families in need.”
Jillian was a lifelong year-round Fire Islander who attended the Woodhull Elementary School, and graduated from Islip High School in 2007. She was also a member of the Kismet Fire Department and was attending nursing school at the time of her passing.
She was a hard worker, known for being a capable bartender who served in numerous Fire Island establishments, including the Kismet Inn, Maguire’s, Housers Bar, and The Hideaway Restaurant, often lending a hand especially in the shoulder seasons when staffing shortages are frequent. She also drove a snowplow for her father Bruce’s business, Metcalf Carting.
Already considered the most important Fire Island fundraiser this fall, J.A.M. Fest ticket prices are $125 per person, which includes entry, open bar with special guest bartenders, as well as popular local food trucks – including Crossroad-Que, Impractical Smokers, and Brockenzo Neapolitan Pizza. There also will be live music by Tim Mooney & Friends, the Soul Junkies, Barry’s Dead and DJ BK. Chinese raffles, grand prizes, silent auction items and other surprises will be part of the evening festivities.
Limited tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com/e/jam-fest-tickets-372343458307.
Monetary and/or raffle prize donations are being accepted as well and corporate sponsorships are available. Contact Tanya Fuchs at 631-478-8546 or tanyafuchs@gmail.com if interested.
