SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Organizers of “Going the Distance for Kids” will host an informal networking event at 6 p.m. this evening in the Spanish Fort Middle School Media Center to galvanize community support for construction of a special-needs playground.

As much as $60,000 is needed to construct and outfit the space that would serve autistic and other special-needs students across Baldwin County on the SFMS campus.

“I am so proud to be a principal in a community that supports education and more importantly celebrates all children. We have the honor and privilege to be the middle school for all children in Baldwin County with severe autism,” SFMS Principal Craig Ross said.

Ross said SFMS students raised $2,000 for the cause during an Oct. 15 “training day,” and another $1,000 was generated Oct. 23 during the Jr. Ironman Youth Triathlon at the Daphne YMCA.

“My hope is that when they see the finished playground that they feel a sense of pride knowing that they were a big part of making it a reality,” Ross wrote in a letter to students signed, “Proud Principal.”

Now it’s time for the community at large — and specifically business leaders — to take a cue from the dedicated students, Ross said. He is hopeful the networking event will become a catalyst for deep financial commitments.

 “This meeting is about giving people the information and supplies to go out and talk to someone that they feel might support us. Even if they only talk to one person, that one person might make the difference,” he said.

Teri Fisher, SFMS’s PTA president, said there are no illusions the funds will appear overnight.

“It’s going to take a while, but if there’s anybody out there with a company or corporation holding onto (funds) until they find the right project, this is their chance to make a difference,” Fisher said.