<b>Pat Conroy</b> gave a wonderfully funny and touching talk about the events and family members surrounding the last days and funeral of his father, which he writes about in his new book “The Death of Santini.” The author spoke at the USCB Center For the Arts this past weekend as a fundraiser for the venue.

The Center For the Arts is totally dependent on private donations, fundraisers and ticket sales for its operation and upkeep as it is not a part of the University of South Carolina Beaufort budget. The auditorium is long overdue for refurbishment and they need to raise more than $1 million dollars to get new, more comfortable seats and a better sound system.

After the event last Saturday night, a book signing was held at the lovely historic Beaufort home of <b>Dr. Mark and Allison Guilloud.</b>
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[caption id="attachment_13577" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Pat-Conroy1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-13577" alt="Author Pat Conroy mingles with guests at a fundraiser for the USCB Center For the Arts. Photo by Bob Sofaly." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Pat-Conroy1-300x215.jpg" width="300" height="215" /></a> Author Pat Conroy mingles with guests at a fundraiser for the USCB Center For the Arts. Photo by Bob Sofaly.[/caption]

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