Lost Genre Tour in Aiken, SC

WEEKEND SUN & READS

Aiken, SC

A few of the Lost Genre Guild members converged in Aiken, South Carolina this weekend in the latest stop on the Lost Genre tour: Susan Kirkland and Donna Sundblad from Georgia, Sue Dent from Mississippi, and yours truly, Cynthia MacKinnon came from Indiana with The UNDERGROUND star, Mavis.


The event was held outdoors in the beautiful town of Aiken as a benefit for the widower and children of Melissa Bernard who recently passed away after a brave struggle with cancer. (The photo to the right shows Donna, Brian Bernard and Susan Kirkland. Brian and Susan are wearing the Shalom! t-shirts that were made to show support for Melissa's battle with cancer.)


It was no chore at all to sit in the shade of oak and pine trees on a beautiful day. Spirits were high and despite other big events occurring in this town at the same time, there was a good turnout for the book basket raffles and book signings. Two reporters from different area newspapers were on hand; Suzanne R. Stone's article appeared in today's Aiken Standard. Each of the authors present had a successful day signing and selling their books—proceeds from which went to the Bernard benefit. (Sue Dent and Donna Sundblad at the book signing table).


The book basket raffles were a huge success as well. Autographed books were donated by many authors, including A.P. Fuchs, Jill Elizabeth Nelson, Donna Sundblad, Sue Dent, Michael Vance, Caprice Hokstad, Rachel Thomson, David Brollier. Also donated were some lovely illustrated prints of writer John's poetry. The Writers' Café Press donated copies of Light at the Edge of Darkness to go in each of the dozen or so adult-oriented baskets, plus other Light items, Starbucks products, and items for 4 kids baskets. A local store made a wonderful donation of a couple of pet baskets as well and Christian Fiction Review Blog founder, David Brollier, also donated a great number of bestsellers (in a box so heavy I had a hard time carrying it out to the car)!

All-in-all, the event raised over $1500! which was a pleasant surprise to all of us. The best thing about the event, however, was meeting on-line friends in person and meeting the friends and family of the Bernards'. Us out-of-towners were given hearty welcomes and treated like part of the Aiken family. I think I speak for all of Lost Genre tour members in saying that it was a pleasure and a joy to be part of this event.