Fundraising Event to support educational projects of the P.E.O. Sisterhood

Alicia Bessette

Join P.E.O. chapter AM of Beaufort/Bluffton for an afternoon of inspiration, insights, and giving back on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in Habersham. The inaugural Lowcountry Writers’ Symposium, moderated by Jonathan Haupt, Director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center, will feature three area authors.

Alicia Bessette is a Beaufort-based, bestselling author of the Outer Banks Bookshop mystery series. She recently published her second novel in the series, Murder on Mustang Beach.

Caroline Cleveland, a specialist in labor and employment law, resides

Caroline Cleveland

in Charleston. Her debut novel, When Cicadas Cry, is about a murder case and the surrounding racial tension in the small South Carolina town in which it is set.

Award-winning author John Warley is a South Carolina native and resident of Beaufort and has published six novels and one non-fiction history book on his alma mater, The Citadel. His most recent novel is a murder mystery thriller called Jury of One.

John Warley

The event will be held October 16, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30.p.m. at 2 Habersham Park, Beaufort, South Carolina. The symposium will include a panel discussion with the three authors, Q&A sessions, meet-and-greets with the authors, and book signings. Books will be available for purchase at the event from NeverMore Books of downtown Beaufort. Tickets for the event are $50, with all proceeds going to the P.E.O. educational fund. Complimentary wine and charcuterie will be provided for attendees.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) is a women’s organization dedicated to supporting and promoting educational opportunities for other women. Founded in 1869, the organization focuses on helping women achieve their educational goals through scholarships, grants, loans, and the stewardship of Cottey College, a private liberal arts and sciences institution. P.E.O.’s mission is to celebrate the advancement of women and provide them with financial and moral support to develop leadership skills, reach their full potential and make positive contributions within their communities. The host chapter for the event, AM, provides ongoing scholarships to local high school women as well as annual sponsorship of two international female students attending institutions of higher learning within the state of South Carolina.

For ticketing information, please email Leslie Van Buskirk: leslievbee@gmail.com