Newtown High School senior Claire DiNoto is coordinating a silent art auction to raise funds for a pair of scholarships to be awarded to students with non-academic responsibilities. DiNoto is the founder and president of Newtown High School’s College Application Prep (NHS CAP) Club, a student-run club and scholarship foundation. It is the first scholarship foundation to be started by a student-run club at NHS, she told The Newtown Bee in March 2.

Last year the club hosted multiple fundraising events, including bake sales and raffles, raising $1,000 for its inaugural scholarship. This year DiNoto is hoping to beat that number, a few times over.

“This year we’re hoping to do two $2,500 scholarships,” she said last month.

A special event, Canvas For A Cause, is being planned for Sunday, May 17, from 3 to 5 pm. It will be hosted by Shane Miller in the historic barn behind her home at 50 Main Street.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, which provides entry, and hors d’oeuvres from Mexcla Restaurant and light refreshments.

Advance tickets are available at bit.ly/4mo0DCq.

Guests will be invited to bid on original art by local and regional artists. DiNoto is hoping to receive at least 25 donations of art for the fundraiser.

Proceeds will benefit NHS CAP and its mission to provide financial support to underprivileged students. All funds raised during Canvas For A Cause will go straight to the recipient.