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