Washington (noon) Rotary Club is hosting its 15^th-annual Reverse Raffle event on Friday at the Washington Civic Center.

Kicking off at 7 p.m., the fundraiser will feature catering by The Acreage-Kevin Beasley, a beer and wine selection, live music by Victor Hudson and $2,500 in cash prizes. Tickets cost $100 for two people and must be purchased in advance.

Steven Wood, immediate past president, said prizes will be awarded throughout the night for the first, 50^th, 100^th, 150^th and 200^th tickets drawn.

“Second-chance tickets” are also available, according to Wood, and guests who didn’t win earlier in the night can purchase another ticket for $25 and have another chance to win.

The Reverse Raffle is one of the most important fundraisers that Rotary hosts every year, according to Spencer Stanley, assistant governor for Area 3.

Stanley said the raffle accounts for roughly half of Rotary’s funds raised per year.

Wood said that all proceeds from the event will benefit local organizations, including the Marion L. Shepard Cancer, Eagle’s Wings, Ruth’s House, Arts of the Pamlico, Boys & Girls Club of Beaufort County and Little Washington Sailing School, among others.

“It’s extremely important. It’s one of our two biggest fundraisers of the year,” Stanley said.

He said ticket sales have been strong so far, but there are more available for purchase. The final collection is slated for Monday.

Washington (noon) Rotary’s Reverse Raffle is scheduled for Friday from 7-10 p.m. at the Washington Civic Center. Tickets can be purchased by calling Steven Wood at 252-946-7151, or any other Rotary member.