Charity
Record Numbers at Event Supporting Families Living with Alzheimer’s or Related Dementia
Press Release
The 20th annual Thrivent Financial Race for The ARK on August 24, 2019 was a record year, raising $38,000 with 680 participants. Race proceeds will benefit The ARK in its work providing comprehensive support services to families living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. The event funds programs in five area counties, including memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops, support groups, and respite centers.
The race included a 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run – both races began and ended at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Summerville.
“It is amazing to see how supportive the Summerville, Charleston and running communities are. We cannot thank our sponsors, volunteers and runners enough for their continued support,” said Megan Severn, development director of The ARK. “This event gets better each year because of this community.”
In South Carolina, 86,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is estimated to rise to 120,000 by the year 2025. The state has the eighth highest Alzheimer’s death rate in America and has seen a 122 percent increase in deaths since 2000.
“Race for The ARK was a record year for its 20th Anniversary. Watching almost 700 runners and walkers crossing the start line was incredible,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. “We appreciate all of them plus all our sponsors, donors, and especially all our volunteers who make the event wonderfully fun and successful.”
While each 5K participant received a memorable medallion when they crossed the finish line, 2019 race winners include:
- Overall Female – Hannah Moldenhauer (19:27)
- Overall Male – Daren Hinds-Lagasca (16:20)
- Overall Youth Challenge Girls Team – Summerville High School
- Overall Youth Challenge Boys Team – Summerville High School
- Overall Youth Challenge Team – Summerville High School
- Overall Corporate Challenge Winner – F3 Summerville/Goose Creek
To stay current on all the ARK news and events, including the dates for the 21st annual race in 2020, visit www.TheARKofSC.org.
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