Press Release
The Lowcountry's rich culture of storytelling is receiving support through a series of public fundraising events to benefit the renowned Pat Conroy Literary Center. Luxe Lowcountry Travel will host the trio of events in conjunction with its Lowcountry Literary and Leisure Getaway from March 9-12, 2022, in Beaufort, South Carolina.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel expert and literary enthusiast, Susie L. McMahon seized the opportunity to satisfy readers' need to escape by combining armchair travel and literature. Throughout the pandemic she virtually connected readers with lowcountry authors through the Susie L. McMahon Virtual Book Club.
The virtual book club served as a springboard to create a travel getaway to Pat Conroy's beloved Lowcountry and spotlight authors who have been interviewed about their books featured on the club's reading list.
“The Lowcountry is a place that inspires such vivid imagery and spirited storytelling, and I am thrilled to invite the public to experience the community and support the Pat Conroy Literary Center through these fundraisers,” stated Susie L. McMahon, owner, Luxe Lowcountry Travel.
Events open to the public include:
Meet & Greet Authors Reception – Sponsored by Luxe Lowcountry Travel Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Beaufort Inn’s Craven Courtyard, 809 Port Republic St., $45/person
Nine well-respected Lowcountry authors will be available to meet attendees and commence the weekend-long events including author Cassandra King Conroy, wife of the late Pat Conroy.
Friends of Pat Conroy Panel Discussion – Sponsored by the Beaufort Inn
Saturday, March 12, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Beaufort Inn’s Old Bay Marketplace Loft, 917 Bay St., second floor, FREE, Registration Required
The public can hear from several authors and Pat Conroy's literary agent discussing the influence of Pat Conroy's friendship and leadership on their work and lives. Free of charge. Space is limited.
Lowcountry Boil Dinner – Featuring a special presentation by the Pat Conroy Literary Center's executive director Jonathan Haupt and Beaufort High School interns.
Saturday, March 12, 2022, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Celadon Club Wellness Center Clubhouse, 61 Celadon Drive, Beaufort, $55/person
Catered by Sea Eagle Market. Casual dress. Space is limited.
Books by participating authors will be available for purchase and signing at each event.
Participating Lowcountry authors include: Cassandra King Conroy, Tell Me a Story: My Life with Pat Conroy; Donna Keel Armer, Solo in Salento; Rebecca Dwight Bruff, Trouble the Water; Estelle Ford-Williamson, Rising Fawn; Sally Handley, Second Bloom; David James Poissant, Lake Life; Dana Ridenour, Behind the Mask; Melissa St. Clair, Home Work; and Susan Beckham Zurenda, Bells for Eli. John Warley, The Home Guard, Valerie Sayers, The Age of Infidelity, John Warley, A Southern Girl, Jonathan Haupt, Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy, and Mary Martha Greene, The Cheese Biscuit Queen Tells All.
The public is welcome to participate in these events and can purchase a discounted bundle of the three events for $90 per person. For additional details and registration visit:
https://luxelowcountrytravelconroycenterfundraiser.eventbrite.com.
Patrons of the Lowcountry Literary and Leisure events are encouraged to use the hashtag #lowcoliteraryandleisure when posting photos on social media.