Close to 300 people gathered in front of Chilton Medical Center on Saturday for the 2009 Chilton County Arthritis Walk.

Event organizers reported a tentative fundraising total of $21,548. All proceeds go to the Arthritis Foundation’s Alabama Chapter for research and education.

“The Arthritis Foundation is so thankful to our volunteers and community members and to Chilton County for making an impact for people with arthritis,” said foundation representative Kristin Whitehurst. “On behalf of people like Makenzie (Johnson) and Dian (Easterling), our honorees, thank you for raising funds.”

The top fundraising organization was Senior Connection of Chilton Medical Center, whose members worked together to raise more than $2,500.

The top individual fundraiser was Junior Honoree Makenzie Johnson of Jemison, raising more than $500. Johnson’s team raised about $1,500.

Cornerstone Fitness and Wellness received the award for best team T-shirt design and also had the most participation from any group in the Walk.

“It was probably the best one we’ve had in four years,” said event chairperson Vanessa McKinney. “I just want to thank everyone for coming out and participating.”

A final grand total will be announced at a later date, likely by the end of this week, Whitehurst said.

For more information, call the Arthritis Foundation Alabama Chapter at (205) 979-5700.