SUMMERVILLE, S.C. – The ARK of South Carolina, dedicated to supporting families living with Alzheimer's and Related Dementia (ADRD), recently hosted two successful events that raised over $34,000 for their essential programs and services. These events support individuals and families impacted by ADRD across various counties.

Annual Swing for The ARK Golf Tournament Raised $11,000

On Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Swing for The ARK Golf Tournament took place at Lake Marion Golf Course in Santee, SC. This annual event attracted nearly 100 golfers from multiple counties who came together to support the cause. The tournament, presented by Argos Cement, raised $11,000 to increase awareness and funding for programs assisting families living with ADRD in upper Dorchester and lower Orangeburg counties.

According to data from the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health, more than 2,200 individuals live with ADRD in Dorchester County, with an additional 2,100 in Orangeburg County. These numbers represent a significant increase since the year 2000, with Dorchester County seeing a 313% rise and Orangeburg County experiencing a 132% increase in ADRD diagnoses. Remarkably, more than 70% of individuals diagnosed in both counties are cared for at home by family caregivers.

"Caregiving is demanding and can be overwhelming, and we are grateful to be able to offer support,” said Peg Lahmeyer, Executive Director of The ARK. “This event allows us to raise awareness in the community, so caregivers know they are not alone."

The ARK of Harleyville, a satellite program of The ARK of SC, offers hope and relief to families living with dementia by providing comprehensive support services, including respite, caregiver education classes, community outreach, and support groups. The funds raised from the golf tournament will support The ARK of Harleyville's programs, which offer support services to families in upper Dorchester and lower Orangeburg counties.

“It was a pleasure for the Argos Harleyville Cement Plant to support this golf tournament again this year,” said Vince Martin, Safety, Environmental, and Public Affairs Manager at Argos. “This was one of the largest tournaments we’ve ever sponsored, and everyone had a fantastic time. We look forward to supporting this golf tournament again in 2024.”

24th Annual Race for The ARK Generated $23,000

On August 26, 2023, The ARK of South Carolina held the 24th Annual McElveen Race for The ARK in historic downtown Summerville. With a turnout of more than 400 participants, this event raised $23,000 to benefit families living with Alzheimer's and related dementia throughout the Lowcountry.

“We are grateful for the continued dedication and support from the Lowcountry community. These funds will help finance programs such as memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops, and support groups across Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties,” said Lahmeyer. “Additionally, the funds will support The ARK respite centers in Harleyville and Summerville and will significantly contribute to The ARK's mission to provide comprehensive support services to families living with Alzheimer's or related dementia in our five-county service area.”

More than 95,000 South Carolinians live with Alzheimer's disease and 11.5% of individuals aged 45 and older report subjective cognitive decline. The disease burden is carried by 197,000 family caregivers in South Carolina, who provide 296 million hours of unpaid care.

McElveen GMC returned as the title sponsor, and Trident Medical Center as the towel sponsor. The male overall winner was Jason McCormack with a time of 17:22, and the female overall winner was Kerry Robinson with a time of 21:21. The corporate challenge winners were reigning champions, AllCare Living Services. The youth challenge winners were Ridge Christian Academy. The independent team winners were Racers for Pacers.

The ARK looks forward to the 25th Annual Race for The ARK, scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024. This milestone event will be celebrated with an anniversary block party after the race. For more information, please visit www.thearkofsc.org or contact Allie Suber at [email protected].

ABOUT THE ARK OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Based in Summerville, SC, The ARK of SC is a local nonsectarian nonprofit outreach program providing hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia (ADRD). Support services include social respite care, support groups, education, caregiver consultations, resource referrals, and community development.

The ARK of Harleyville is a satellite program of The ARK of SC with support services, including social respite care, support groups, education, caregiver consultations, resource referrals, and community development.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit thearkofsc.org.