The ARK of SC announces 8th Annual “Swing for the ARK” Golf Tournament
June 13, 2024
Event to Raise Funds and Awareness for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Programs in Upper Dorchester and Lower Orangeburg Counties
The 8th Annual Swing for the ARK will take place at Lake Marion Golf Course in Santee, SC, on June 27, 2024, with check-in beginning at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The tournament will help raise awareness and funds for programs to assist families living with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia (ADRD) in upper Dorchester and lower Orangeburg counties and will include mulligans, raffles and more. Proceeds from the Swing for the ARK tournament directly fund The ARK of Harleyville’s initiatives, which include social respite care, support groups, educational programs, caregiver consultations, resource referrals, and community development. Teams of four ($400) and individuals ($100) are encouraged to register by June 24 at thearkofsc.org.
According to the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health, more than 2,200 individuals are living with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia (ADRD) in Dorchester County and more than 2,100 in Orangeburg County. For Dorchester County, this is a 313% increase in diagnosis, and for Orangeburg, a 132% increase since 2000. At the time of diagnosis, in both Dorchester and Orangeburg counties, over 70% of these individuals were being cared for at home by family caregivers.
As an extension of The ARK of SC, The ARK of Harleyville delivers a comprehensive array of services, such as respite care, caregiver education classes, community outreach, and support groups, bringing hope and relief to families affected by dementia.
“Caregiving is demanding and can be overwhelming and we are grateful to be able to offer support,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. “This event allows us to raise awareness in the community, so caregivers know they are not alone.”
Last year, the tournament drew more than 100 golfers and raised over $11,000 for The ARK’s programs. For more information on sponsorships and other ways to get involved, email [email protected].
“This event is a great opportunity for local businesses to support The ARK and enjoy one of the best golf courses in Santee,” said Vince Martin, member of the ARK of SC Board. “The amount of fun and fellowship makes this a must-attend golf tournament every year.”
The ARK of Harleyville offers a respite program every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Harleyville. Caregiver support groups are held on the second Monday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Harleyville and on the third Monday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. George Library. The ARK also offers a free six-week educational course, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, available both in person and virtually throughout the year. Learn more about The ARK of Harleyville and upcoming educational classes at theARKofSC.org.
About The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services
The ARK of Harleyville, a satellite program of The ARK of SC, is a local nonsectarian nonprofit outreach program that provides 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, email [email protected] or visit thearkofsc.org.
