The yearly fundraising campaign for the Chilton County Arthritis Walk will officially kick off Thursday, Aug. 26 at the Alabama Power Conference Center in Clanton at noon.

The meeting is open to the public and will include a free lunch, helpful information and a word from special guest David Neal of CBS 42.

Neal, who suffers from fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, has a unique way of connecting with his audience through humorous anecdotes.

“He’s been there every year since the start of the Chilton County Arthritis Walk,” said Kristin Whitehurst of the Arthritis Foundation’s Alabama Chapter.

Whitehurst welcomes anyone who wants to learn more about the Walk and its purpose to attend this year’s kickoff.

“They can come and learn about the Arthritis Foundation and hear stories about how arthritis has impacted the lives of our adult honoree and junior honoree and other special guests,” she said.

This year’s honorees are Lynn Russell of Clanton and Makenzie Johnson of Jemison.

There will also be information about this year’s Walk, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 at Chilton Medical Center beginning at 9 a.m. Activities will include a dog costume contest, a “Show Us Your Moves” dance contest, a health and wellness fair and door prizes.

Attendees at the kickoff will also learn of creative ways to raise funds for the upcoming Walk.

The free lunch will consist of food donated by Hickory Chip, Grande Old Café, Peach Park, Kountry Kitchen, Zaxby’s, Winn-Dixie, Associated Foods and Walmart.

To RSVP, call Whitehurst at (205) 979-5700 or Vanessa McKinney at 755-2500 or 280-3346.