"The funds raised at this event will be used to support the numerous programs at the school and to provide us with start up revenue for the upcoming school year," said Lana Carr, the school's executive director.

The staff of special education teachers, paraprofessionals and therapists develops individualized educational programs for each student in the areas of cognition, language and communication, gross and fine motor skills and social and self-help skills. The school currently serves 30 children from 18 months to 15 years old, and can handle about five more.�The student to teacher ratio remains intentionally low, 3:1 or 2:1.

"The one thing that has remained unchanged is the school's learning environment," said Marie Sams, one of three women who co-founded the school in 1984. "There is a completely individualized program for each student and a structured, predictable classroom environment."

Marie, Mary Ann Crofton and Mary Ann Mitcham started the school out of the need for specialized education for their children with disabilities.

Key sponsors for the dinner include Dr. and Mrs. Doug Kallis; Peachtree Pediatric Dentistry; Southern Community Bank; Phizer Pharmaceutical; National Linen Company; Forest Healthcare; Dr. Ferrol Sams III, Steve and Robin Weeman; Gusto Brands Beverage Distributor; and Scott McPherson, D.D.S.