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Local Celebrities helped raise $105,000 for Alzheimer's Program

On May 13, a community gathered to attend the 13th annual Dancing with The ARK’s Stars fundraising event, raising over $105,000 for The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services, during this especially critical time. Proceeds from this premier fundraiser support The ARK’s many programs and essential services for families experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.


"Our celebrity dancers did an exceptional job the night of and with their fundraising leading up to the event," says Allie Suber, Special Events Coordinator of The ARK. Each of them set a fundraising goal and went above and beyond. We cannot thank them and our professional dancers enough for stepping out of their comfort zone to not only fundraise for The ARK, but to take countless hours to rehearse for this big event!"


Six dancers were each paired with a professional dance partner from our sponsor, Ballroom Dance Charleston. The dancing duos performed at the event for a chance to win one of two titles: The Judge’s Award or The People’s Choice Award which was voted on by the audience. The evening started with opening numbers from La Quinn Mims and Company as well as La Combi Perfecta.


Michael Tupper, Owner of Mike’s Garage and professional dancer, Charlene Mims took home the 2023 Mirror Ball Trophy. Michael raised more than $11,000 for The ARK of SC. Prisicilla Johnson, Principal for Joseph Pye Elementary School and professional dancer, Melody Chabala took home the 2023 Judges' Award for their energetic Swing performance.


“It was a night to remember in Summerville'', says Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. We are incredibly grateful for the community support and support from the celebrity and professional dancers this year.”


Since 2021, the Lowcountry Conference Center at Summerville’s Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites has been the venue sponsor. Plus, Ballroom Dance Charleston provided professional dancers, training, and rehearsal space for weeks leading up to the event.


Dorchester County Probate Judge, Mary Blunt was The Dancing with the ARK’s Star’s 2023 “Mirror Ball Sponsor.” This is Judge Blunt’s twelfth year as The ARK’s title sponsor in memory of her mother, Dr. Lidia Vallarino, who had Alzheimer's.


The 2023 dancers include:

● Lucia Campbell, Broker Sales Agent, Miler Properties, LLC

● Katie DePoppe, Executive Partner, Chick-fil-A Goose Creek & Summerville

● Lorna Hollifield, Managing Editor, Mt. Pleasant Magazine & Charleston Women’s Magazine

● Priscilla Johnson, Principal, Joseph Pye Elementary School, Dorchester District Two

● Michael Tupper, Owner, Mike’s Garage

● Bill Young, retired USAF and a professional pilot for Jenkins Aviation, Intertech Group


The 2023 professional dancers from Ballroom Dance Charleston coach the celebrity contestants

and choreograph their routines.


The professional dancers include:

● Michael Hogarth

● Debbie Housand

● David Roland

● Melody Chabala

● Charlene Mims

● James Jiang


The 2023 judges include:

● Carolyn Murray, WCBD News 2 co-anchor

● Russ Lloyd, Innovative Resource Management, 2022 Mirror Ball Winner

● Dr. Alli Wimberly McCall, Pratt Physical Therapy, 2022 Judges’ Award Winner


2023 Dancing with The ARK’s Stars Host:

● Rob Fowler, Storm Team 2’s Chief Meteorologist


Photos; Marketing Sponsor, Roni Haskell Realtor with photographers Braeden Kershner and Josh Stemman


View Pictures from 2023 Event
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The ARK of SC - Major & Planned Giving Officer Job Description Full time, Exempt Please send a cover letter and resume to Associatedir@thearkofsc.org. Resumes that are submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Mission Statement: The ARK of SC provides hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The program allows caregivers a much needed break from caregiving responsibilities. The care receivers are able to socialize with one another in a program of social activities tailored to their needs in a loving and caring atmosphere of complete acceptance. The Major & Planned Gifts Officer is responsible for securing major and planned gifts from individual donors, including unrestricted annual gifts, designated gifts for projects and programs, planned gift commitments, by managing a portfolio of high profile, high-capacity donors. This position will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donor prospects and closing annual unrestricted gifts, special gifts and planned gifts. Desired Experience, Education, Skills, and Knowledge Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least proven experience in major gifts acquisitions, individual fundraising, or the legal, financial, or related field, with direct experience in cultivation and solicitation of individuals Experience in creating and implementing major & planned giving strategies Capability to deal with individuals from various backgrounds including clients and personnel Demonstrated ability to quickly establish and maintain effective rapport in community networks Excellent interpersonal skills and strong oral and written communications skills Proficiency in CRM Database entry & maintenance Able to work comfortably and professionally with a diverse group of people including by not limited to: donors, foundations, advisors, trustees, individual prospects and volunteers. Empathetic to the special values and challenges of Alzheimer’s families Responsibilities of the Major & Planned Gifts Officer include: Create, manage and grow a portfolio of major individual donors and prospects Create a major and planned gifts budget to incorporate into the annual budget alongside the Executive Director and Associate Director Responsible for identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship to secure unrestricted and designated gifts Create a plan for each donor that will serve as a foundational communication and fundraising strategy. Execute the plan to cultivate and retain individuals with a focus on one-on-one donor meetings to establish and strengthen donor relationships. Initiate and manage donor cultivation and stewardship throughout the year, including small donor cultivation events Produce and assist with draft documents, calculations, proposals, endowment agreements, and other necessary materials as needed by prospects, donors and advisors. Ensure all strategies, contact reports and donor information is updated in the donor database Work with Special Events Coordinator and the Associate Director on the annual giving campaign Other Responsibilities: Work closely with other staff to maximize contacts made with new partners Participate in membership meetings, staff meetings, and community building events Performs other duties assigned by Executive Director Benefits of working for The ARK 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO/Sick leave) 11 Paid holidays per year (in addition to PTO listed above) Paid end of year closure (8-10 days) Comp time accrual Flexible work day schedule* Personal and professional growth opportunities *Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process. Salary Range $60,000-$70,000 Education is at the forefront of all services at The ARK. We do this through our core values of compassion and understanding. Each person is appreciated for their unique and individual contributions. Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran - The ARK is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents. Cover letter is required upon submission of a resume. Please send a cover letter and resume to Associatedir@thearkofsc.org. Resumes that are submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
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Presented By: Summerville Elks Lodge, 2719
By proadAccountId-435955 01 Dec, 2022
The ARK of SC - Special Events Coordinator Job Description Full time, Exempt Mission Statement: The ARK of SC provides hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The program allows caregivers a much needed break from caregiving responsibilities. The care receivers are able to socialize with one another in a program of social activities tailored to their needs in a loving and caring atmosphere of complete acceptance. The Special Events Coordinator works closely with other Senior staff of The ARK in developing collaborative strategies with local community, business, education, and government leaders to improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s and related dementia families in The ARK’s service area. Desired Experience, Education, Skills, and Knowledge Bachelor’s degree or 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, special events, or related experience required Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and CRM Database Strong written and verbal communication skills, and outstanding listening skills Strong organizational skills; with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple initiatives simultaneously ensuring constant forward movement Ability to keep the big picture in mind while also paying close attention to details Ability to have calm and gracious composure at all times Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner at all times A strong commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for families living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia is essential Duties and Responsibilities Create an annual calendar of fundraising events designed to engage new and existing partnerships Plan, coordinate, and produce the following signature events for The ARK: Dancing With The ARK’s Stars DWTAS (May), Race for The ARK (August) and the Ugly Sweater Dash (December) Assist in planning & implementation of the following board led fundraisers: Golf Tournament (February), Car Show (March), Pull for The ARK (October) Work within budgets for each event and provide analysis of events as completed; keep historical comparison records for executive and board reporting Investigates and pursues opportunities for new third-party events to benefit the agency Recruits and supervises volunteers to assist in event implementation and other donor-related activities; to cultivate and nurture those relationships to promote future volunteer opportunities and potential donors Works closely with other staff to maximize contacts made for future event sponsorships Properly thanks sponsors and donors after events and throughout the year; oversees and manages data entry related to event attendance and solicitations Entering event donations and updating donor files in the database Post event related content to social media for upcoming fundraisers and events Assist the Major Gifts Officer with the annual mail out in October Participate in public speaking opportunities Build relationships with local businesses to create more opportunities for future collaboration Participate in membership meetings, staff meetings, and community building events Performs other duties as assigned by Executive Director Benefits of working for The ARK 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO/Sick leave) 11 Paid holidays per year (in addition to PTO listed above) Paid end of year closure (8-10 days) Comp time accrual Flexible work day schedule* Personal and professional growth opportunities *Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process. Salary Range $42,000-$47,000 Education is at the forefront of all services at The ARK. We do this through our core values of compassion and understanding. Each person is appreciated for their unique and individual contributions. Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran - The ARK is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents. Cover letter is required upon submission of a resume. Please send a cover letter and resume to Associatedir@thearkofsc.org. Resumes that are submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
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