The spirit of giving was alive and well for Friday’s Blue Jean Ball.

In the end, Journey School director Renee Alsobrook said, the benefit raised $26,000.

“We were very fortunate,” Alsobrook said. “The community was very generous and we are very thankful.

The Journey School develops 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.

Alsobrook said the donations are important to keep the school moving forward.

“Tuition doesn’t cover a lot of our monthly expenses,” she said. “We depend on donations to make ends meet and pay our monthly bills.”

The Blue Jean Ball included a silent auction with items ranging from trips to gift baskets.

Alsobrooks said she would like to thank those who donated the items as well as the bidders.

“We’re so thankful for the generous contributions on all sides,” she said. “This is one of the largest varieties we have ever been able to offer.”