Dancing Event Raises $28,000 for The ARK

Dear Editor,
The second annual Dancing With The ARK’s Stars on March 10 was a resounding success! Over 300 people watched our terrific “celebrity dancers” compete to win the “mirror ball” trophy by raising the most money for The ARK. Boy, did they do a great job! Not only did they provide an evening of great entertainment, they helped The ARK raise almost $28,000—twice what we raised last year!
We want to thank our celebrity dancers for all the time, effort and enthusiasm they brought to the event. Elizabeth Murray Hight, Beth Messervy, Aisha Tyler, Ralph Phillips, Joe Pye and Dr. Bob Randall spent hours and hours learning and practicing their dance routines, and promoting the event to their families, friends and colleagues. The Celebrity Judges’ comments and scores added excitement and fun to the overall fundraising event. Dr. Randall took the Mirror Ball for raising the most money—The 2012 People’s Choice Award. Elizabeth Murray Hight claimed the Judges’ Choice Award, but the judging was so close! All the ladies were beautiful and graceful, and the men were delightful. While this is not a true dance competition, it is clear that each brought their best to the dance floor! They danced with verve, and really made the evening fun.  
Carolina Dancesport and Brad Moranz provided exceptional professional entertainment. 
Our sponsors really came through for us this year, especially Dorchester County Probate Judge Mary Blunt, our “Mirror Ball” sponsor. Her $5000 investment was the foundation for our success. Many others provided services and products for little or nothing, and with a smile.
As with any fundraising event, our volunteers made the event seamless—from decorating and set up, to registration, to the silent auction, our ARK volunteers, members of the Summerville Junior Service League, and the Summerville Police Department Cadets were priceless! 
We are thrilled that the Summerville community, and beyond, believe in what we do at The ARK, and they show it. For 16 years, The ARK has provided hope and relief to families dealing with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. We look forward to next year’s Dancing With The ARK’s Stars being even better!


Peg Lahmeyer, Executive Director
The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services