Summerville Elks Lodge No. 2719 Supports The ARK of SC and its Alzheimer’s and Dementia Initiatives

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The ARK of SC announces that the organization has received a generous $2,500 donation from the Summerville Elks Lodge No. 2719. The Summerville Elks Lodge confirmed its support for Alzheimer’s and related dementia (ADRD) in the Charleston-area community as the presenting sponsor for The ARK’s signature fundraiser, the 6th Annual Ugly Sweater Dash held on Dec. 2 in Downtown Summerville, which raised nearly $6,000 for the cause. In recognition of National Family Caregiver Month in November, the Summerville Elks Lodge has extended its philanthropy with a $700 donation, dedicated to enhancing The ARK’s caregiver gathering initiatives.

“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.