Coordinators of Chilton County’s annual Arthritis Walk are looking to recruit fundraising teams for the event.

Though the day of the Walk isn’t until Oct. 3, the fundraising will kick off in late August, and the need for support is greater than ever.

“Our goal would be 20 teams this year,” committee chairperson Vanessa McKinney said. “We would love to have more teams.”

Thirteen teams from the community banded together last year to raise $22,000 for the Arthritis Foundation. This year’s goal is set at $24,000 with a portion of funds going toward an activity room at Chilton Medical Center.

Each team member is being asked to raise a minimum of $100 this year. In return, each member will receive an Arthritis Walk T-shirt.

“You don’t have to raise anything to participate in the walk,” McKinney added. “If an individual wants to join a team, they can call me and we will find a place for them.”

The 2009 Chilton County Arthritis Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. until noon in front of Chilton Medical Center.

The kickoff will be Friday, Aug. 28 at the Alabama Power Conference Center in south Clanton, from 12-1 p.m. in the Alabama Room. The guest speaker for the kickoff will be announced soon.

To organize a team or for more information about getting involved, call McKinney at 280-3346.