It was a special outcome thanks to a generous group of Tamaqua residents.

Residents of the ABC Tamaqua Hi-Rise gathered Friday for the culmination of a fundraiser in support of the American Cancer Society.

All 15 floors of the building had contributing members. The grand total marked $1,370.70.

“It could have been a bust, we could have only had $5,” said hi-rise resident Kathleen Turner, who spearheaded the fundraiser. “But I’m just so proud of everybody for this, it’s amazing.”

Many colorful chain links can be seen on the front lawn of the hi-rise, each one representing a dime that was donated.

“Two dollars this month, or five the next, maybe 10 the next month - doesn’t really sting anybody. I’m sitting at home watching the cancer telethon and I want to give $200, but that’s a big chunk at once,” Turner said.

“Everybody just kept donating,” said Turner. “We made it a competition between floors. The floor with the most chains would win a pizza party. But all along, we knew we would give everyone a pizza party. Our management, our maintenance; it was definitely a big team effort.”

As the donors enjoyed pizza, a check presentation was made to the ACS. Joe Krushinsky, executive producer & telethon chairman, was there to accept on behalf of the nonprofit.

The American Cancer Society Telethon of Eastern Pa. is set for Aug. 14-15, live from Penn’s Peak, noon-midnight both days.

“I’ve spent the past 30 years saying to people no amount is too small,” Krushinsky said.

“They proved it today, because it all adds up. People have came back to me and said that’s not true, you’re really just looking for the big dollars. Well, we got big dollars today, but the point is, it came in a dime at a time.”