Cancer Telethon volunteers are busy preparing a host of fundraising activities for the American Cancer Society, including the ongoing Daffodil Days, along with an upcoming concert, basket raffle, dinner and telethon.

Preorders for daffodils are being taken now through March 9. They will be delivered or available for pickup beginning March 21.

From March 21-24, they’ll also be for sale at Redner’s, Nesquehoning; Jim Thorpe Market, Jim Thorpe; Cancer Telethon Volunteer Office, Lansford; Hiles Brothers, Summit Hill; and Boyer’s, Lansford and Tamaqua.

They can be purchased by the bunch, potted or as a bunch in a vase.

To place an order for the flowers, contact 570-805-4555 by phone; 570-805-4554 by fax; CancerTelethon@gmail.com by email or visit www.CancerTelethon.org/daffodils.

Concert, basket raffle

• On Saturday at 7 p.m., Toolshed Jack will have an American Cancer Society benefit concert from The Stitch at the Tamaqua Arts Center. For tickets, visit https://tamaquaarts.thundertix.com/events/207791.

• The Cancer Telethon’s annual Charity Basket Raffle and Auction will be March 18 and 19 at the Tamaqua High School Gymnasium. A shop and drop will be held March 18 from 5-7 p.m. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. March 19, with WMGH Magic Polka Machine broadcasting live until 1 p.m. Browsing is until 2:30 p.m. There will be a 50-50 drawing, door prizes, food for purchase and a bake sale.

Volunteers honored

• Next up is the March 26 Cancer Fighters’ Dinner at Chantilly’s Restaurant and Banquet Hall, 15 Berkley Rd., Barnesville. A cash bar social begins at 5 p.m. and will be followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The program runs from 7-8:30 p.m.

Each year, the Cancer Telethon honors distinguished volunteers, fundraisers and survivors whose public efforts have strengthened the American Cancer Society or inspired others to join in the fight against cancer, explained Joe Krushinsky, Cancer Telethon volunteer and president.

Koch’s TV & Appliances, Lehighton, will receive the Business Spotlight Award. For several years, Koch’s has used social media to help build awareness, anticipation and support for the annual Telethon.

“For each “like” on the Koch’s Facebook page, another dollar is added to their Telethon contribution. Customers, Facebook users, and Telethon volunteers watch as likes are added and turn into substantial support,” Krushinsky said.

Angela Nardini will receive the Volunteer Extreme Award. Organizers said Nardini is on top of the minds for many telethon viewers when it comes to singing and the Telethon’s big finale. Behind the scenes,

“Angela brings so much more, employing her professional background and personal creativity to bring sponsorship, pledges, and beautifully decorated prize baskets to Telethon events throughout the year,” Krushinsky said.

Amber Peirce will receive the Generation Next Award. She is a member of the Telethon House Band that has evolved over the decades. Organizers said Peirce is developing a habit of becoming part of the event’s future.

Donna Mullen will receive the Robert E. Ames Cancer Fighter Award. Many communities lost their Relays for Life, and the disruption of COVID put the local event at the brink. Through her determination, organizers said Mullen kept the Relay on track. The award is named for Ames, a lifelong educator who retired after 35 years as an elementary school teacher. He was a talented organist, choir director, and community organizer. He was also an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society though his volunteerism, advocacy and contributions.

“Ames waged a very personal battle with cancer, making him a cancer fighter in every sense of the word,” Krushinsky said.

The Ames Award is given to an individual or group whose efforts are exemplary in any facet of the quest to end cancer.

Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville, will receive the James J. Rhoades Award for Outstanding School Participation. Organizers said the school stands as a small but mighty team in the annual sales of daffodils to benefit the American Cancer Society. Their sales reached a new high in 2022.

The Rhoades award is named for the late senator and his wife, Mary, who supported the Telethon for many years by volunteering their time, and by making and encouraging financial contributions.

Telethon organizers said that throughout his distinguished career of public service, Rhoades emphasized the importance of education, schools and students. The Telethon began as a project of Communication Arts students and members of the Tamaqua High School Media Club. The Rhoades Award recognizes outstandingly creative and effective efforts by schools, educators and students to support the fight against cancer.

Jeana DePuy and Dr. Amy DePuy will receive the Patricia A. Haughton Award for Exceptional Service. The mother and daughter have performed on the Telethon for decades and both are cancer survivors. “Jeana is a devoted volunteer who helps others ‘reach to recovery’,” Krushinsky said. “Dr. DePuy takes every opportunity to emphasize and highlight the lifesaving importance of screening and early detection,”

The Haughton award is considered the highest recognition at the dinner. Haughton was a proud Irish American, a pioneering local female executive, and a longtime devoted American Cancer Society volunteer before and after her distinguished career on the staff as unit executive director in Carbon and Schuylkill counties. She was the staff partner who enlisted local volunteers to create the Telethon.

Pat McGeehan will receive the Bud Wychulis Memorial Award. When McGeehan performed on the first Telethon in 1980 in the studio at Tamaqua High School, organizes said he had no idea he’d still be performing on the show more than 40 years later. He also didn’t know he’d one day face, and defeat cancer personally.

Krushinsky said viewers have enjoyed watching McGeehan share his talents on the Telethon. He is a past Courage Award recipient. He recorded a song on the Telethon “Friends for Life” CD, and he has brought friends and family into the ranks of Telethon performers.

The Wychulis award is named for the late popular entertainer. He joined the Telethon in its second year and served as music director, fundraiser and host for 39 more telethons. He enlisted family, neighbors, friends, co-workers and fellow musicians to participate in the Telethon and other cancer society events. Many of those involved today are part of the Telethon team as a direct result of his invitation and encouragement. The Wychulis award shines the spotlight on a volunteer who is exceptionally committed to the cause, and who enlists others to lend their own time, talent and treasure to the fight.

Telethon

The American Cancer Society Telethon will be held from noon to midnight on April 1 and 2 from Penn’s Peak. It will be broadcast live on Blue Ridge, Service Electric and Comcast cable systems, as well as on YouTube.

The event will feature a memorial tribute to original and 40-year Telethon performer Danny Farole and presentation of the 2023 Courage Awards.