As a way to honor the birthday of a new foundation’s inspiration, a special grand opening event is planned at Thou Art Thursday afternoon.

The Yancey Jernigan Foundation will hold a kickoff with entertainment and special events from 5 to 7 p.m. at its location at 707 Douglas Ave.

Founder Emmie Jernigan said the event will offer area residents a chance to make a contribution to help cancer victims in the area.

“This will be a great opportunity for our community,” Jernigan said. “We’re excited about the foundation and this kickoff for our fundraising will be a great event.”

Jernigan said music will be provided by a local band with out-of-town vendors on hand to help further the cause of the foundation.

“We will have Burning Fern performing during the evening,” Jernigan said. “We will have Lily Beck Originals on hand showcasing her jewelry, which includes diamonds. One Loose Screw, a Georgia company that handles wine and beer-based marinades and dips, will also be on hand with their items. The co-owner of that company is a cancer survivor as well.”

Jernigan said 10 percent of proceeds from sales by the vendors will go into the foundation’s account.

“Every penny that is collected or donated for the foundation will go right back into this community,” Jernigan said. “We have a volunteer board and staff, so 100 percent of the money given to the foundation will serve those who need it most. This is also a great time to remind people if they want to make some end-of-the-year tax deductible contributions, this would be a perfect opportunity to do that.”

The foundation will serve cancer victims in the greater Brewton area who have medical or pharmacy needs relating to cancer, Jernigan said.

Although the event is planned from 5 to 7 p.m., Jernigan said those who need to come at another time will find something special as well.

“We know that it is a busy time and a busy night,” Jernigan said. “Our vendors will be setting up during the day, which means that anyone who can’t come during the set time can drop by earlier if they need to.”

Along with entertainment and vendor showcases, Jernigan said special items will also be on sale at Thou Art to benefit the foundation.