First Book Spring Luncheon fundraiser set for April 28

Jane Spillane is the featured speaker for the First Book Spring Luncheon on Saturday, April 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Islamorada Fish Company adjacent to the Bass Pro Shop at Myrtle Beach Mall.

Spillane is the widow of the late crime novelist Mickey Spillane; she will discuss "Life with Mickey" at the luncheon, which is a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization with the mission of providing new books for area children in need.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased from board members; more than half the ticket price will go to the charity, and funds will be spent in Horry County. In addition to the luncheon, there will be a silent auction and door prizes that include handcrafted items, gift certificates to restaurants, spas and resorts, golf packages and more.

First Book board members from CCU who are selling tickets include Aneilya Barnes, Keith Gurley, Margene Willis, Megan McIlreavy and Mona Prufer.

The event celebrates the cultural legacy of novelist Spillane, who lived in Murrells Inlet for more than 40 years. Six years after his death in 2006, Spillane’s legacy — which includes the sale of more than 225 million books worldwide — continues to grow, with the promise of publishing of manuscripts he left behind.

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit First Book of Horry County, an organization that provides new books to children in need. To date, nearly 50,000 books have been distributed to children's programs with literacy components in Horry County.

The local organization is part of First Book’s national network of volunteer-led advisory boards in communities across the country. Fundraisers such as the luncheon allow the organization to fulfill its mission. For every $25 collected, First Book is able to purchase 10 children's books through its national publishing partners.
For more information or to make reservations, call Prufer at 843-349-2087 or  Willis at 843-333-4056. Or you can email horrycounty_sc@firstbook.org.