Since its creation three years ago, The Journey School in Selma has had one mission — to develop a classroom environment where special needs children learn side-by-side with typically developing children. The school, which serves children ages 2 ½ to 5 years old, is similar in scope to the Rise School in Tuscaloosa, which began in 1974 and, according to its website, now serves 80 children.

The Journey School’s director, Renee Alsobrook, said the school continues to receive significant local support in fulfilling its mission.

“Regardless of whether people have ties to [The Journey School] they are open to giving, helping and volunteering,” she said. “It’s important to have community support and family support to help keep us going.”

Friday, the school will host its largest fundraiser of the year at Lion’s Park, the Blue Jean Ball and auction, and once again Alsobrook says the community is stepping up to help.

“Everybody has been willing to say ‘yes,’ and we’ve had tremendous local support,” she said. “I’ve never been to an auction in Selma that is as big as this.”

Alsobrook expects 350 people to attend and take part in silent and live auctions, and afterward, listen to the Joe Wright Band, which counts Hank Williams Jr., John Fogerty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Elvis, and Kurt Cobain as influencers.

Auction items include themed holiday and spa baskets, local artwork, and there will be a drawing for a pair of Alabama vs. Auburn football tickets, which will go to one lucky ticket holder. Simple country fare will be on the menu, including barbeque cooked and donated by Ken Busby of Safford. Others contributing menu and food service items include The Restaurant on Grumbles Alley, Richard’s Café, Golden Ranch, Hancock’s and Winn Dixie.

“I’m always surprised and pleased each year when this comes around at the number of items that have been given or donated,” said Alsobrook, standing in a room filled with decorative baskets and colorful artwork ready for auction. “All of this has been given to us. There’s nothing we’ve had to pay for.”

It’s the community support and uniqueness of The Journey School that drew Mallory Snider to teach at the school.

“With any teaching environment there are different challenges, but every day is a new day working here,” she said. “You never know what the children are going to say. They make me laugh and they are honest and straightforward and I like the unexpected surprises they throw at me.”

Major sponsors for the Blue Jean Ball are Carter Drug Company, Vaughn Community Health Services, Moore-Stewart Motor Company, Oyster Ridge Hunting Camp, KFC, Tri-County Rentals, Papa John’s, Circle-A Sales, Pearce Catfish Farm, Crop Production Services, Alabama Livestock Auction, Julie Sams Family Dentistry, Alsobrook/ Sexton families, Penny and Allen Foster and the Assaad/ Delp families.

Tickets are $40 in advance, or $45 at the door.

Tickets may be purchased at Legacy Properties, Lily Pad or by contacting The Journey School at 872-1222.