The Cancer Telethon Committee announces several volunteers will be honored March 27 at its annual volunteer dinner at Capriotti’s Banquet Hall, 1 Banks Ave., Mc­Adoo.

This year’s dinner program marks the start of a two-week social media remembrance - and permanent recognition - of dear friend and 40-year telethon performer Bud Wychulis, who died in September 2021.

The committee will launch a new annual award, the Bud Wychulis Entertainer Award. The only other 40-year performer in telethon history, Danny Farole, will join members of Bud’s family for this special presentation.

Each year the committee honors distinguished volunteers, fundraisers or survivors whose public efforts have strengthened the American Cancer Society or inspired others to join in the fight against cancer. Together, their compassion, creativity and commitment are an inspiring example to others.

Other recipients are:

• Kevin and Dee Zuercher and Halftime Sports Zoo are this year’s recipients of the Robert E. Ames Cancer Fighter Award. The Zuerchers acquired the property where the annual ZooStock Labor Day Concert took place for 20 years. From day one, they expressed interest in continuing and building the tradition. Little did they know the matter would become so personal, so fast. Kevin dedicated the 2021 ZooStock event to his mom, who has since succumbed to cancer. Already, in 2022, the family has suffered another loss to cancer - Dee’s brother.

• Panther Valley National Honor Society - will receive the James J. Rhoades Award for Outstanding School Participation. Students at PV have been involved with the telethon for over 40 years. In 2020-2021, when many student groups stepped away from fundraising for telethon because of pandemic challenges, PV students stepped up with a great fundraising effort including a solid Daffodil Days campaign.

• Lansford American Legion - will receive the Patricia A. Haughton Award for Exceptional Service.

The Lansford Legion is walking distance from the Telethon Volunteer Office. During her tenure as executive director, Pat Haughton routinely called on the Legion for their help, and they always came through. They continue to be a strong partner in making the ZooStock Labor Day Concert a strong fundraiser through their volunteer help and their incredible food stand. We are pleased to recognize their enduring commitment to ACS.

• Kathy Lengyel will receive the Volunteer Extreme Award. After beating cancer personally, Kathy decided to dedicate time every week at the volunteer office to keep fighting on behalf of others facing cancer.

Through the pandemic and shutdowns, she masked up and kept the office going, helping to keep daffodils, luminaria and the telethon itself going. Kathy exemplifies the name of this award.

The event will begin with a cash bar social at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The program will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Call 570-573-2807 to reserve tickets.

The Cancer Telethon will be held April 9 and 10 and is broadcast on Blue Ridge Cable, Service Electric and livestreamed from Penn’s Peak.