“We appreciate the support from the Summerville Elks Lodge No. 2719 members. Their participation in the Dash as our presenting sponsor and providing volunteers helped create a festive community spirit. Plus, our holiday caregiver gathering made it possible for our caregiving families to be together with each other,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. “This collaboration underscores the Lodge's impactful role in advancing vital services for those affected by Alzheimer's and related dementia in our area.”

The South Carolina Elks Association’s "State Major Project" is caregiver support, helping family caregivers who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. "Alzheimer's and Respite Care are the South Carolina Elks' State Major Project, and every year Summerville Elks Lodge #2719 attempts to better our previous year's donations to the Summerville ARK. In 2023, we were able to support the summer "Race for the ARK" 5K and fun run - as well as being the major contributor ($2,500) to December's "Ugly Sweater Race." We also raised enough money to be able to present ARK leadership with a check for $3,750 to "upgrade" their audio-visual equipment, and to purchase supplies for their holiday patient and caregiver luncheon.  ELKS CARE - ELKS SHARE," said Melanie Springer, 2022-2023 Exalted Ruler of the Summerville Elks Lodge No. 2719. "We are proud of the small part the Summerville Lodge No. 2719 plays in assisting The ARK of SC continue its good work of helping those in need in our immediate area."

For over 26 years, The ARK has been a nonprofit assisting families throughout five counties (Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Orangeburg, and Colleton County) in the Lowcountry. The ARK helps families cope with the daily challenges of ADRD through respite care, family support programs, caregiver consultations, and educational classes. 

Respite programs are offered in Summerville (Monday-Thursday) and in Harleyville (Wednesday) to give family caregivers a much-needed break from the stress of around-the-clock caregiving. Support groups, lunch and learn educational workshops, memory screenings, resource referrals, caregiver workshops, and First Responder/Law Enforcement training are also offered.

For more information about The ARK, visit www.TheARKofSC.org or call 843-471-1360. 

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 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.