The CART Fund

Founded in 1986 by Roger Ackerman, The CART Fund (Coins for Alzheimerʼs Research Trust) is a nonprofit grassroots organization that provides “seed” money for cutting edge, high- impact research grants to help find a treatment or cure for Alzheimerʼs Disease.

Roger passed away in 2018, yet to this day, we still adhere to our founderʼs initial mission – that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to research! Since 1999, 64 grants totaling more than $11 million have been awarded to 62 recognized research institutions in the United States.

The CART Fund is a 501(C)3 organization (Federal ID #31-1466051) governed by an xecutive committee and board of directors composed of representatives from qualified Rotary districts that support the program. CART is chartered as a nonprofit organization under the laws of the state of South Carolina.

Sumter Little Theatre is a community theater featuring local thespians who come together to produce thought-provoking, emotionally charged productions with a dash of comedy throughout.

CART has been recognized as an “angel charity” by the S.C. Secretary of State for being “extremely effective at giving a high percentage of their total expenditures directly to programs for their designated cause, their compliance with the S.C. Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act and their high use of volunteers in their fundraising efforts.

”While primarily supported by members of Rotary Clubs in the United States, CART has an active volunteer base and can accept donations of major gifts, bequests or volunteer efforts from anyone. A new donor recognition program was recently introduced, allowing 'recurring donors' through the online system to be designated as members of the 'Roger Ackerman Circle'."

The Sumter County Gallery of Art is a nonprofit whose mission is to present and promote the visual arts and provide art education opportunities to Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties. Housed in a renovated state-of-the-art facility next to Patriot Hall, it features rotating shows of both traditional and contemporary art by local, regional and nationally recognized artists. Its three formal exhibition galleries are considered by many in the South Carolina arts community as one of the best exhibition spaces in the state.

In 1969, the 4-year-old Sumter Artists Guild decided to open a local gallery to showcase their work and host other artists. After first being housed in the old Carnegie Library on Liberty Street, with the school district agreeing to lease the building for $1 a year, the gallery moved to an Antebellum Greek revival-style home on North Main Street in 1977. The builderʼs granddaughter, Elizabeth White, became one of Sumterʼs most talented artists and gained national and international recognition. She requested her home be used to promote the arts to the public after her death. The house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, remained the galleryʼs home for 26 years.

When the county renovated the former Edmunds High School into a performing arts center, in Patriot Hall, it was suggested the science wing become the galleryʼs new home. Its current doors opened in 2003.

Free group tours are available by reservation, and there are catered, opening receptions for all exhibitions. A gift shop is filled with unique items and works of art made by local and regional artists.

Hours

Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location

200 Hasel St., Sumter SC 29150

Freeparking

More information

(803) 775-0543 www.sumtergallery.com

Admission

Free during the Inspire! Festival

The Sumter County Museum is a nonprofit whose mission is to promote the history of Old Sumter District while providing historical and modern educational programming. The museum and its partnering organization, Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, both present a variety of programs throughout the year. The museum features a 1916 historic home, exhibits related to Sumter County, an interactive 1750-1850 homestead and the beautiful Martha Brice Gardens.

Be an archeologist and dig for Sumter County treasures in the permanent history exhibit, learn about Sumterʼs namesake, Gen. Thomas Sumter, and wander through structures from the 1800s to discover what life was like in this part of the state at that time.

The Jewish History Center which Roger Ackerman spearheaded, its establishment, has presented exhibits such as the Anne Centerʼs two-person play titled “Letters from Anne and Martin,” which imagined a correspondence between Anne Frank and Martin Luther King Jr. The accompanying exhibit featured more than 70 seldom-seen photographs from the Frank family.

The center offers tours for visiting students for fifth grade and up. Tours can also be tailored to specific ages and interests. Permanent exhibits include an introduction to Jewish traditions, the exploration of Jewish immigrants, stories from Sumter residents, lessons from the Holocaust and oral histories.

Sumterʼs only synagogue, opened in 1913, has seen its congregation dwindle, so Ackerman and Jay Schwartz decided to act. When opened in June 2018, the exhibits represented the only Holocaust museum not only in the Palmetto State but between Atlanta and Richmond.

There is always something exciting to see and experience at both venues, including art exhibitions, chamber music, readings, book signings and historical programs.

Location Museum: 122 N. Washington St., Sumter SC 29150

History Center: 13 Church St., Sumter SC 29150

Free parking

Hours

Museum: Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

History Center: Thursday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Admission

Museum: $5 adults, $2 students and seniors, free for 5 and under and museum members

Both Museum and History Center: $8 adults, $3 students and seniors and free for 5 and under and museum members. *Combo tickets are good for one week.

Purchase tickets at either location. To schedule a tour outside of regular hours or for large groups, call Diana Roof at (803) 468-8630 or email temple@sumtercountymuseum.org. (803) 775-0908 www.sumtercountymuseum.org