“Racing against Child Abuse,” “Let’s ‘Boot’ out Child Abuse” and “‘Bee’ aware of Child Abuse” were just some of the themes that helped raise about $4,000 at the third annual Safe Harbor Tablescapes Luncheon on Saturday.

For three years the luncheon has provided a place for individuals to get creative with tabletops, while also promoting awareness and fundraising for the Safe Harbor, or the Children’s Advocacy Center.

“We have really enjoyed this,” Safe Harbor director Kathy Smyth said. “(The luncheon) has great, fresh ideas and creativity, and it has just been so exciting to see the different ideas as far as inspirations for all the tables. It just makes for a really nice day.”

The luncheon has continued to grow from about 12 tables the first year to a total of 19 this year.

“We first thought it might be hard to get people to do the tables,” said Betty Thomas, a Safe Harbor volunteer.

“Once they saw it, however, we have people every year that start planning what they’re going to do next year starting today. They enjoy it so much so they start planning and they have a whole year to hunt and find stuff.”

Each hostess has the option of tying their table’s theme into child abuse awareness or children’s advocacy.

This year’s first place winner was Jane Pierce and Debbie Hyatt with the theme “Racing against Child Abuse.” The second place winner was Melanie Cain with the theme of “Pheasant Phancy,” and there was a tie for third place between Charlotte Tesmer and Daisy Norman’s “Happy Campers,” and Tammy Gaston’s “Children of the 80s.”

Each table was judged on items like originality, creativity and homemade touches.

Each hostess was then required to fill each seat at their table with friends and family to have a sit down lunch.

“It’s an outreach for Safe Harbor and it’s a fun exciting day to give back our local nonprofit so we can continue the services to our children and their families,” Smyth said. “We have a golf tournament that targets the (guys) and we have a luncheon that targets more of the ladies. I think they enjoy it. It’s a way to give back.”

Thomas said her favorite part was just seeing how many people came to the event to show their support.

“For me, it’s just seeing that we have so many people in our community that are willing to get involved to help (prevent) child abuse,” Thomas said.

“That shows us that we have a concerned community, and to me, that’s the most enjoyment I get out of it is realizing that we have so many people that are so concerned.”