Two Coyotes Wilderness School, a Newtown nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, held its third annual Give Back to Nature Candlelight Dinner & Silent Auction on Friday, April 29, at Rock Ridge Country Club.twocoyotes.org.

The night highlighted the nonprofit school and supported its vision of a healthier, more connected world. The silent auction included handcrafted eco-friendly and green products, and it raised money for tuition for underprivileged youth to attend Two Coyotes Summer Camp. A number of attendees donated full tuition for youths.

The theme of the evening was "The Transformative Power Of Nature." Butterflies were used as decorations to symbolize the theme.

Two Coyotes Executive Director Justin Pegnataro addressed the crowd during the event. He highlighted how far Two Coyotes had come because of the generous support of the community.

"Two Coyotes started based on a burning question I had," Mr Pegnataro said during his talk. "What does it take to raise a generation of young men and women of vision and character? At Two Coyotes we believe everyone comes into the world with a gift for their community. Something so beautiful and so powerful that they carry for the benefit of the world. Last year we were able to serve over 740 kids for an average of over 40 hours per child. We gave out $20,000 in scholarships to support families in having their children attend our programs because we believe being connected to nature and growing into your power in a supportive community are everyone's birthright."

Mr Pegnataro also announced a new partnership for the nonprofit wilderness school.

"We are excited to share that this year we are partnering with REACH Newtown to work with at-risk youth and provide wilderness experiences that are transformational and healing," Mr Pegnataro said.

Two Coyotes is dedicated to nurture healthy, whole human beings by building self-awareness through year-round scholarship nature programs for the underprivileged, as well as ongoing programs for all local children, adults, and families. It offers in-school, after school, weekend, home school, and summer camp programs, as well as corporate team-building.

This year Two Coyotes invites the Newtown community to give back to nature by supporting its vision of a healthier, more connected future. One hundred percent of the Two Coyotes' "Give Back To Nature" fundraising proceeds will go toward supporting the growth of the nonprofit school. The fundraising activities support this growth through scholarship funds for families in need, the hiring of program staff to maintain a 1:6 staff to student ratio, and the strengthening of the administrative team to support its growing programs, according to a release from the organization.

Two Coyotes is continuing to collect donations to cover tuition for underprivileged youth, including youth from the Fresh Air Fund. Donations can be made online at twocoyotes.org/donate.html.

To make a donation to the school by mail send a check to Two Coyotes Wilderness School, PO Box 711, Monroe CT, 06468.

More information about Two Coyotes Wilderness School - including its upcoming summer camp programs for ages 5 to 14 that run from June 20 to August 19 - is available at

The school is located at Sticks and Stones Farm on Huntingtown Road.