An orthodontist, cosmetologist, fire department captain and a state trooper are just some of the local celebrities trading their day jobs for dancing shoes to raise money for The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services, in Summerville. 

The seventh annual Dancing With The ARK’s Stars pairs local celebrities with professional dancers in a competition that has become a must-attend fundraiser. This year’s event is at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at Eidson Gym at Pinewood Preparatory School, 1114 Orangeburg Road in Summerville. 

The 2017 celebrity dancers are: 

●      Katie Arrington, ​vice president of operations, Dispersive Technologies 

●      Roland Fulcher, ​orthodontist/ owner at Lowcountry Orthodontics

●      Rebecca Holtzclaw, ​cosmetologist/owner, Signori Mani Salon & Day Spa 

●      Skipper Kress, ​beverage director, Red's Ice House  

●      Dana Madanski, ​​director of marketing, McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation 

●      Billy Penn, ​captain, Summerville Fire & Rescue Department 

●      Thomas Taylor, chiropractor, Alignment Specific Chiropractic Clinic  

●      Hannah Wimberly, ​state trooper, South Carolina Highway Patrol 

Each dancer is paired with a professional dance partner from Elite Dance International Studio in Mount Pleasant. Couples will perform at the event for a chance to win one of two titles: the Judge’s Award or the People’s Choice Award voted on by the audience. 

Similar to the hit TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” four couples will dance in each round, with the two couples receiving the most judges’ votes competing in a “dance off” to win the Mirror Ball trophy. The couple receiving the most votes by dollars wins the People’s Choice trophy. Votes are $10 each, and can be cast in advance at TheARKofSC.org or at the event. 

“We are so grateful to the dancers who take time away from their jobs, families and personal time to help raise funds for The ARK,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. “This event is integral to our fundraising success and allows us to help even more families as they care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia.”  

This year’s judges are Greer Reagin, winner of the 2016 Judge’s Award; Nancy Deitch, winner of the 2016 People’s Choice Award; and professional performers Brad and Jennifer Moranz of Moranz Entertainment. 

Tickets are $60 in advance and $65 at the door. Purchase tickets online at TheARKofSC.org or call 843-832-2357 for information. 

Proceeds from this premier fundraiser support the many programs of The ARK as it provides essential services for families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Serving five counties, The ARK offers respite care, support groups, caregiver consultation, education, resource referrals, community learning programs and rural services development. 

The 2016 Dancing with The ARK’s Stars raised more than $80,000 – its largest year to date. Nearly 500 people came out to watch local celebrities pair with professional dancers for an evening of dancing, dining and a silent auction.