Fundraising teams and sponsors are needed for the upcoming 2010 Chilton County Arthritis Walk campaign, which will officially kick off Aug. 26 and culminate with the Walk on Oct. 16.

This year, the gross fundraising goal has been increased to $25,000. This amount will be divided among sponsorships ($12,000) and teams as a whole ($13,000).

Committee members have raised the bar to 25 teams and 325 walkers, said Arthritis Foundation Alabama Chapter President Kristin Whitehurst.

“We look forward to hosting the Arthritis Walk again this year with a new Show Us Your Moves dance contest, a dog costume contest, a best team T-shirt contest and barbecue on hand after the Walk,” Whitehurst said.

While the big day is months away, local businesses and organizations are encouraged to organize a team and plan fundraisers. A team should consist of at least five people with a minimum goal of $500. For each $100 raised, a team member gets a special Arthritis Walk T-shirt.

Ideas for fundraisers include yard sales, bake sales and team challenges, Whitehurst suggested. People should also be on the lookout for donation boxes at local businesses.

All potential teams should be aware of the kickoff, set for Thursday, Aug. 26 at the Alabama Power Conference Center in Clanton at noon.

For more information, call Whitehurst at (205) 979-5700 or visit the official website, 2010chiltoncountyarthritiswalk.kintera.org.