The Washington Civic Center was the scene of the Washington Noon Rotary’s annual Reverse Raffle on Friday night, but this year’s fundraiser had a twist: a fundraiser within a fundraiser.

Beaufort/Hyde Partnership for Children and the Rotary Club teamed up to add a little more festivity, and a BHPC fundraiser, to the event through sponsored tables, themed decorations and recognition for the best among the designs.

“But I really think people really enjoyed walking around and looking at the tables — it created a buzz,” said Lisa Woolard, executive director of BHPC and a longtime Rotary member. “I think people appreciated the work that people put into making it more festive.”

The tablescapes ranged from BHCP’s own Dr. Seuss-designed table, with the theme “Read Aloud: Every Child, Every Parent, Every Day,” to football helmet centerpieces appealing to the sports lovers. The many patrons of the reverse raffle judged the contest.

“Everybody who came in the door judged the contest,” Woolard said.

Best Overall Design went to Kona Ices’ faux palm trees and tropical-themed table; the Most Informative prize went to “Dig the Past,” Aurora Fossil Museum’s table decorated with sharks’ teeth and plastic sharks; and Coastal Insurance Services (CIS) won Best Centerpiece with a beach theme topped off by tall vases of blue and white hydrangea.

Woolard described the tablescapes contest as a win-win for BHPC and local business owners. While businesses paid $300 to sponsor a 12-seater table, which came with two tickets, it also gave them an extended opportunity for publicity.

“(They) got to talk about their business … It’s a good way to market to about 550 people — and a captive audience,” Woolard said.

Beaufort/Hyde Partnership for Children provides a variety of services to area children and parents, all aimed at helping children, from infant to five years old, develop the physical, social, emotional, psychological and cognitive foundation needed to prepare them for success in school and in life.

Woolard said she would like to see the tablescapes contest grow into an even bigger BHPC fundraiser at next year’s reverse raffle.