13th Annual Dancing With The ARK's Stars raises $105,000

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Local Celebrities helped raise $105,000 for Alzheimer's Program

On May 13, a community gathered to attend the 13th annual Dancing with The ARK’s Stars fundraising event, raising over $105,000 for The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services, during this especially critical time. Proceeds from this premier fundraiser support The ARK’s many programs and essential services for families experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.

"Our celebrity dancers did an exceptional job the night of and with their fundraising leading up to the event," says Allie Suber, Special Events Coordinator of The ARK. Each of them set a fundraising goal and went above and beyond. We cannot thank them and our professional dancers enough for stepping out of their comfort zone to not only fundraise for The ARK, but to take countless hours to rehearse for this big event!"

Six dancers were each paired with a professional dance partner from our sponsor, Ballroom Dance Charleston. The dancing duos performed at the event for a chance to win one of two titles: The Judge’s Award or The People’s Choice Award which was voted on by the audience. The evening started with opening numbers from La Quinn Mims and Company as well as La Combi Perfecta.

Michael Tupper, Owner of Mike’s Garage and professional dancer, Charlene Mims took home the 2023 Mirror Ball Trophy. Michael raised more than $11,000 for The ARK of SC. Prisicilla Johnson, Principal for Joseph Pye Elementary School and professional dancer, Melody Chabala took home the 2023 Judges' Award for their energetic Swing performance.

“It was a night to remember in Summerville'', says Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. We are incredibly grateful for the community support and support from the celebrity and professional dancers this year.”

Since 2021, the Lowcountry Conference Center at Summerville’s Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites has been the venue sponsor. Plus, Ballroom Dance Charleston provided professional dancers, training, and rehearsal space for weeks leading up to the event.

Dorchester County Probate Judge, Mary Blunt was The Dancing with the ARK’s Star’s 2023 “Mirror Ball Sponsor.” This is Judge Blunt’s twelfth year as The ARK’s title sponsor in memory of her mother, Dr. Lidia Vallarino, who had Alzheimer's.

The 2023 dancers include:

● Lucia Campbell, Broker Sales Agent, Miler Properties, LLC

● Katie DePoppe, Executive Partner, Chick-fil-A Goose Creek & Summerville

● Lorna Hollifield, Managing Editor, Mt. Pleasant Magazine & Charleston Women’s Magazine

● Priscilla Johnson, Principal, Joseph Pye Elementary School, Dorchester District Two

● Michael Tupper, Owner, Mike’s Garage

● Bill Young, retired USAF and a professional pilot for Jenkins Aviation, Intertech Group

The 2023 professional dancers from Ballroom Dance Charleston coach the celebrity contestants

and choreograph their routines.

The professional dancers include:

● Michael Hogarth

● Debbie Housand

● David Roland

● Melody Chabala

● Charlene Mims

● James Jiang

The 2023 judges include:

● Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2 co-anchor

● Russ Lloyd, Innovative Resource Management, 2022 Mirror Ball Winner

● Dr. Alli Wimberly McCall, Pratt Physical Therapy, 2022 Judges’ Award Winner

2023 Dancing with The ARK’s Stars Host:

● Rob Fowler, Storm Team 2’s Chief Meteorologist

Photos; Marketing Sponsor, Roni Haskell Realtor with photographers Braeden Kershner and Josh Stemman

View Pictures from 2023 Event

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Caregiver Tips for the Holidays

By proadAccountId-435955 • December 17, 2024

We know caregiving during The Holidays can be a challenge. We want to help you and your family enjoy your holiday as much as you can! We have put together some of the best holiday tips for families living with Dementia. Please click the link(s) below to read more. Holiday Tips for Everyone Living with Dementia by Teepa Snow, Positive Approach, LLC Tips for the Person with Dementia: 1. Take some time out to relax. 2. Do what you enjoy. 3. Consider letting people know when you need a break or are having trouble. 4. Make a list with your partner of what you would like to do this season. 5. Use the list to help keep on track. 6. Consider saying - "I know I know you, but I just can't place you..." when someone greets you and you aren't sure who they are to you. 7. Watch or listen to old, familiar music, movies, TV programs that make you feel good. 8. Get some exercise every day. 9. Get plenty of water each day. 10. Be careful about too many sweets or treats. 11. Work the a partner to do familiar and fund activities (For example: Making, signing, mailing cards OR making up mixes with recipes to share with the family). Tips for the Care Partner: 1. Keep gatherings smaller & visits shorter. 2. Offer time out. 3. Make a list of pleasures to do. 4. Encourage going out and doing something fun together rather than just talking. 5. Ask visitors to bring old pictures, old families items or props, and be prepared to reminisce about old times. 6. Take breaks from each other. 7. Consider cutting back on traditions if they seem distressing. 8. Help visitors out by introducing them with some orienting information, if they forget to do so 9. Get some exercise & take care of your stress levels. 10. Get a 'Friend' to help the person with dementia select gifts, shop, or do something special for loveds ones, including you! Tips for the Visitor: 1. Start off by looking friendly and offering your hand in a handshake. 2. Introduce yourself by name, then PAUSE, if the person still doesn't seem to know you, give them a little more background. 3. Use shorter phrases and PAUSE between thoughts or ideas, giving the person a chance to respond. 4. Talk about the old times more than recent information. 5. Keep memories positive if possible. 6. Accept general comments, don't push for specifics. 7. Don't correct errors, go with the flow of the conversation. 8. Be prepared to hear old stories over and over, use old pictures or props to bring up other old memories... and laugh. 9. Do something with the person rather than just talking to them. 10. If the person says something distressing or seems worried about something, realize it may not be true, but they are not lying to you, their brain is lying to them. Check it out with the care partner before acting on it. Additional Tips for the Holidays: >> The Holidays & Alzheimer's by The Alzheimer's Association >> Traveling tips for safe Holiday Travel by The Alzheimer's Association >> Holiday Gift Guide for Caregivers and People living with Dementia by The Alzheimer's Association >> 10 Holiday Tips every caregiver should know by Alz Lab

November is National Family Caregiver Month

By proadAccountId-435955 • November 7, 2024

November is National Family Caregiver Month!

25th Annual McElveen Race For The ARK

By proadAccountId-435955 • August 26, 2024

Congratulations to all of our winners! Male Overall: Daniel Martin 18:01 Female Overall: Lora Thomas 18:59 Corporate Challenge Winner: Without Limits Charleston Youth Challenge Winner: Without Limits Charleston We cannot thank you, our faithful supporters, enough for making our 25th Annual McElveen Race For The ARK a memorable race! With over 400 people participating, The ARK raised nearly $30,000 to benefit families living with Alzheimer's or related dementia throughout the Lowcountry. Because of you, we are able to continue to make a difference in the community. We look forward to making next year's race even better. As always, please let us know if we can be a resource for you!