To help raise money for the Douglas County AIDS Project, at least 12 teams will compete Friday in a trivia challenge.

“It’s more sort of a community-awareness event,” said Kristin Brumm, DCAP’s executive director.

The organization’s first Trivia Night contest will begin at 7 p.m. at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H., and proceeds will fund services for the organization, including case management, prevention, education and free HIV testing.

The winter fundraiser replaces DCAP’s Mardi Gras Dance in past years and is meant to draw attention to the group’s work.

DCAP is a nonprofit organization that provides AIDS services in Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson counties and serves about 60 clients, with some from Topeka and the Kansas City area.

During the competition, teams of up to eight people will answer questions and try to win cash prizes. Brumm said she expected more teams to register.

Organizers suggest a $200 donation per team.

“We’re real excited about it. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. If it goes well, then we will probably do it every year,” Brumm said.

The event will include a silent auction, raffle and buffet. Typically the Mardi Gras event grossed between $12,000 and $13,000, she said.

DCAP has other fundraisers throughout the year; about 30 percent of its budget comes from community events and private donations, Brumm said.

The organization is a United Way-funded agency and gains funding from several grants and organizations.

“Like any nonprofit organization, it’s always kind of a challenge for us to get together the funds we need to provide all of our programming,” Brumm said.