ARK Dancers Finalize Fundraising

Press Release by The ARK, Alzheimer's Family Support Services

Less than two weeks remain until the celebrity dancers get to strut their stuff at Dancing with The ARK’s Stars on March 9. All eight couples are busy practicing their routines, and finalizing their fundraising. Last year, The ARK raised $29,000. With the help of this year’s celebrity dancers, the nonprofit hopes to raise at least $40,000.

Dorchester County Probate Judge Mary Blunt and her husband, Sam Blunt, are repeating as Mirror Ball Sponsor for the third installment of The ARK’s popular fundraiser. Judge Blunt’s mother, Dr. Lidia Vallarino, has Alzheimer’s and is a visiting member of The ARK. 

This year’s dancers are: Mildred Blanton, Con Chellis, Cammy Groome, Margie Pizarro, Ellen Priest, Bill Summers, Jordy Tupper, and Richard Waring IV. Judges for the 2013 event are Elizabeth Hight and Dr. Bob Randall, both 2012 winners, and professional dancer Amanda West. Steve Mandell, head of school at Pinewood Preparatory School, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

General admission tickets for the event are $50 per person in advance or $60 at the door. Tickets will be on sale February 1. Tickets will be available online, at the door and by calling the ARK.  Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.TheARKofSC.org.  

The ticket price includes the heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar, a silent auction, and ballroom dance demonstrations by Carolina Dancesport Dance Studios, plus opportunities to enjoy the dance floor.

Limited sponsorship opportunities remain. Some include complementary admission to the event and other promotional benefits. For more information on Dancing with The ARK's Stars, contact The ARK, 843-832-2357.

The ARK is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the Tri-County area, Colleton and Orangeburg Counties and beyond.  An outreach ministry of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, The ARK provided 6,600 hours of respite and hosted over 200 individuals in support groups in 2012.