Ask anyone associated with the local American Cancer Society Telethon and they'll tell you it's the volunteers who make the wheels go around.

Many of those volunteers were honored Sunday night during the annual Cancer Fighters' Tribute Dinner at Mahoning Valley Ambulance in Lehighton.The event is held each year as a kickoff to the telethon, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe.Hosted by the American Cancer Society Telethon committee serving the Carbon/Schuylkill area, the dinner drew around 70 people."The fight against cancer really gives the community something to rally around and we couldn't do what we do without the dedicated men and women in the room tonight," said Joe Krushinsky, telethon chairman.The "Zoo Crew," the team behind the annual Zoostock event in Lansford and other fundraisers, received the "Fundraiser Spotlight Award."Last year, between Zoostock and a couple other smaller events, the crew raised more than $23,000."Our talent for Zoostock does such a great job every year that we're now to the point where we have a waiting list," Jesse Hiles said. "It's incredible. This started as a picnic in my yard and we wanted to raise money for something, so why not cancer?"The "Cancer Fighter Award" went to the East End Fire Company of Tamaqua."These guys need a lot of things for their own fire company, yet they are so generous to the cancer society," said Bud Wychulis, telethon volunteer.Tom McCarroll, of the East End Fire Company, said cancer hits home in his profession, making anything they can do all the more meaningful."A lot of our guys get cancer because of the chemicals out there when we are fighting fires," he said. "I'd like to see it cured. We're just the face behind this, but there are so many people who donate throughout the year."Riley Durishin of Lehighton has been performing on the telethon since she was 5 years old.In addition to her talent, Durishin raises pledge money from her friends and family to donate to the cancer society.Her actions earned her the "Generation Next Leadership Award."She said Sunday it "was an honor to be part of such a special organization.""The 'James J. Rhoades Award' for outstanding school participation went to Rick Morgan and the Panther Valley National Honor Society. The students have been involved with the telethon and Chinese auction for many years."Cancer touches so many of us," Morgan said. "It's our hope that someday we are here celebrating because we have become a cancer-free society."Jay Smar received the "Patricia A. Haughton Award" for exceptional service. He is a longtime friend and performer on the telethon and has been involved for most of the 36 broadcasts.The "Volunteer Extreme Award" went to Bob and Alicia Silliman, two dedicated longtime volunteers at the telethon and Chinese auction. They also volunteer for the Lions Club and the Carbon County Fair.Suzanne Stoloski accepted the "Business Spotlight Award" on behalf of Air Products and Chemicals Inc.Stoloski has volunteered in the phone room during the telethon for many years."Without the volunteers this organization can't accomplish its goals," said ACS representative Dee Mathis. "Together, we can end the fight."