Soroptimist International of West Maui members include (from left): top row — Mihaela Stoops, Julie Meszaros, Shelly Hee and Michele Potts; bottom row — Rachel Miyoshi, Kathy Perry and Jill Holley.

LAHAINA – Soroptimist International of West Maui is gearing up for its annual fundraiser at the April Lahaina Second Friday Town Party on April 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Each year, the club works with Maui merchants to put together a large silent auction to raise money for scholarships for Maui residents.

Items up for bid will include jewelry, local restaurant gift cards, activities, hotel nights, boating trips, home services and much more.

The SIWM Silent Auction is part of the Lahaina Town Classic Car Show that happens once a year. The free event will display classic cars on Front Street (between Prison and Dickenson streets) and the Banyan Tree.

The silent auction will be held across the street at Campbell Park.

According to Kathy Perry, Soroptimist president, “This free event is great for our visitors or our locals. It is an excellent time to pick up special items and gift cards for really great prices. Our club is grateful to our Maui merchants for donating so aggressively. We have been fortunate to be able to host this event for many years, and it is all because of the Maui merchants.”

Soroptimist International of West Maui will use the funds generated at the event for keiki programs and scholarship opportunities.

For information on applying for Soroptimist International of West Maui scholarships, or for more information on the organization, contact Jill Holley at Jill@kidneyhi.org or call (808) 986-1900. The club meets twice a month and would love to hear from interested West Maui residents.

Each year, about $1.6 million is disbursed through Soroptimist International’s award-winning program. A 501(c)(3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its programs, Soroptimist International also powers LiveYourDream.org, an online community offering offline volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls.