Rules/Regulations
Participants may decorate the table and chairs with any kid-friendly materials and should design their entries to stand up to kids-in-action!
Final submissions must fit within a display area of 5’-0” x 5’-0”. All submissions will be displayed in a consistent manner on a flat floor-level surface.
Props may be added to and used within the display, but must not exceed the 5’-0” x 5’-0” floor 
plan. Please keep in mind that the display will auction off ‘in total’ including all items used within the display area. No additional furniture may be incorporated into the display. Electrical components included in the design must be battery operated and provided by the entrant.
Final entries must be submitted in total, including any additional items or props you wish to use in your display. Props may not be added after submission date. You will be given a box with your table/chair set for all props to be transported when entry is submitted. Any items that do not fit in the box must be transported by entrant.
Someone from your team MUST arrive between 4:00 and 5:00 PM on the day of the event to set up your table, check your display, set up props and accessories, and make any final adjustments. All table and chair set ups must be completed by 5:00 or they will not be included in the display/auction! Group photos with tables will be taken from 4 to 5:30.
Please include with your table and chair pickup:
1) A printed photograph of your entry the way it should be set up
2) An inventory list and layout instructions or diagrams
All teams must submit by 9:00 AM on Monday, August 1st to mmattson@gmbi.net:
1) A description.......Please send as Word document to Marilyn Mattson
2) 1-3 digital photos of your entry sent via email to Marilyn Mattson, JPEG file please (Please denote Primary photo)
3) Your “Category Entry Sheet”
*Remember that these descriptions and photos will be used for judging purposes as well as for the website/online preview. Only one picture will be used as the primary photo, so if you submit more than one, please note in your email which one you should be used as the primary photo.
At the time of entry, all submitted items and documents, including but not limited to tables/chairs, props, photos and creative capital, become the property of the Ronald McDonald House.
Judging Criteria
We will be awarding (1) winner for each of the categories. Please note the specific criteria that ALL tables must meet, as well as the unique criteria as listed within each category to be awarded.
General Design Criteria
• Overall design and theme inspires the imagination of kids and promotes FUN!
• Table must be 100% structurally sound and kid friendly, no sharp edges or protruding parts, and be functional and conducive to the activities of children.
• General frame and construction of the final product must be similar in size to the original table provided.
• At least 50% of the original table must be used in the final design.
• Any electrical components must be battery operated.
Categories for Design
Specific categories with specific criteria have been introduced to award designers for their unique concepts and design work.
"Go-Green"
Create a design incorporating the theme of "Going Green!" This category for table design will hit home if your firm is committed to the environment and concerned with reducing green house gases and landfill waste while conserving water, energy and petroleum.
• 75% of the materials used must be recycled and/or recyclable
• Creative use of materials …think Recycle, Re-use and/or Re-purpose of materials)
• Materials should be environmentally friendly
• Theme of table supports the awareness of "Going Green" (does not necessarily mean it has a "Green" theme, but promotes awareness of materials, recycling, re-use)
• Design team to provide an outline of materials used
"Best Thematic Design"
Capturing a theme is a talent! This category for table design will encompass a themed design and take it to the highest level of one’s imagination. It will convey a story….utilize materials and props that support the land of "make believe" and will inspire a child to "live in the moment"!
• Theme must be relevant to a child and promote "pretend" time
• Creative use of materials and props to support the theme
• Props are great, but should not be the focus of the design and are meant to support the theme
"Best Interactive Design"
Playtime is fun! This category for table design will prove to be the most engaging to its little guests. Whether one child or many are playing together, this table will invite little ones to interact with the table and/or seating itself!
• Design must incorporate an activity and engage a child to interact with the table/seating itself
• Creative use of materials and props to support the activity
• Activities must be relevant to a child and safe for little ones
"Best Educational Design"
Mad Scientist? Bug Studier? Explorer? Musician? This category for table design is based on influencing a child to learn, explore and expand the mind. All children are inquisitive by nature and enjoy hands-on learning….let’s provide them an outlet to have fun and learn at the same time!
• Design must incorporate a learning activity and be relevant to a child’s interest level
• Creative use of materials and props should support the activity
• The theme of the table should inspire a child to expand their minds and learn through an activity of interest
"Best Character Design"
Every child has at one time or another been obsessed with a super-hero, a character or even a themed interest! This category for table design revolves around a central theme and plays to the character or theme of their fanatic interest!
• Design must be based on a ‘character’ or themed interest
• Creative use of materials and props to support the character / theme
• "Alter – Ego" imagination is encouraged!
"Best of Tables for Tots"
The Crème de la Crème! This table will represent the Best of Tables for Tots. All tables within every category will be considered.
Quick Links
- Judging Criteria
- General Design Criteria
- Categories for Design
- Go Green
- Best Thematic Design
- Best Interactive Design
- Best Educational Design
- Best Character Design
- Best of Tables for Tots
Dates to Know
Take note of these important dates including table distribution, submission deadline, and the Tables for Tots event. Rollover each date below for more.
