The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services, is working to raise awareness and funds for programs to assist local families living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia with its fifth annual Ugly Sweater 5K Dash on Dec. 3, 2022, in historic downtown Summerville. To kick-off the holiday season, runners and walkers are invited to wear their most festive holiday sweater. All race proceeds fund programs such as memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops, and support groups in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties plus respite centers in Harleyville and Summerville. Every year, The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services works with local families and friends providing care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the Charleston area.

“This event is integral to our fundraising success and allows us to help even more families as they care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. “Caregiving is demanding and can be overwhelming and we are grateful to be the ones offering support.”

Register online by Dec. 1 at 5:59 p.m. and pay $35 for the 5K run/walk and receive an embroidered beanie. The one-mile stroll is $10 or $30 for a group of four. Drive through registration and packet pickup will be on Dec. 2 from noon to 6 p.m. at 502 West 5th North Street, Summerville (corner of Hwy 78 and Hickory Street).

On Dec. 3, the 5K will begin at 8:45 a.m. and the one-mile stroll kicks off at 9:45 a.m. at 206 Central Ave.  Awards will be given out to the top 3 overall male and female runners.

Learn more and register for the Race for The ARK at www.TheARKofSC.org. For more information regarding sponsorship levels, contact Megan Severn at [email protected].

ABOUT THE ARK, ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Based in Summerville, The ARK is a local nonsectarian nonprofit outreach program providing hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Dementia (ADRD). Support services include social respite care, support groups, education, caregiver consultations, resource referrals and community development. For more information, call 843-471-1360 or visit thearkofsc.org.