The Cancer Telethon committee has announced awards for the “Cancer Fighters” dinner scheduled for March 22 at Chantilly’s Restaurant and Banquet Hall, 15 Berkley Road, Barnesville.

Each year the organization 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.

The honorees are:

• Shenandoah Senior Living Community will receive the “Fundraiser Spotlight.” Diane Zegley and her colleagues create opportunities for residents in the Shenandoah Senior Living Community to participate in events that are fun, engaging and that generate awareness and support of a cause that is important to every family.

“Each year the residents experience the continued sense of belonging, purpose, and accomplishment,” telethon Chairman Joe Krushinsky said. “Each year the surrounding community is inspired by what they bring to the cancer fight.”

• Bosom Buddies Relay for Life Team will receive the “Robert E. Ames Cancer Fighter Award.”

Members on the team immerse themselves in everything “Relay,” Krushinsky said. “They do more than walk and raise funds toward their team goal,” he said. “They have helped set the direction and set the pace as this event, which has existed for over 30 years, is remade to attract interest and participation in our busy, online, post-pandemic world.”

• Tamaqua Area PTO will receive the “‘James J. Rhoades Award for Outstanding School Participation.”

Tamaqua Elementary has historically been one of the strong preorder sites for Daffodil Days.

“The habit starts early, and kids grow up to be ACS volunteers and daffodil buyers and sellers for a lifetime,” Krushinsky said. “When students are given the opportunity to see parents, school staff and teachers all on the same team, all working toward the same goal, something very special unfolds for the cause, for the school and for he community.”

• Maple Shade Meadows will receive the “Patricia A. Haughton Award for Exceptional Service.”

Maple Shade Meadows has a decades-long history of telethon involvement through sponsorship, Daffodil Days, and most recently the Relay Walk and Luminaria event.

“Representatives of the Maple Shade team are working shoulder to shoulder with like-minded, forward looking groups to remake the Relay Walk, and keep every generation connected to the cancer cause,” Krushinsky said.

• Albie Coccio will receive the “Bud Wychulis Memorial Award.”

“Albie and the Coccio family name is synonymous with great music and great bands across generations,” Krushinsky said. “The American Cancer Society has been fortunate to have had that great talent and following put behind very high profile fundraising events.”

Albie Coccio has performed at more of the annual ZooStock outdoor Labor Day concerts than any other performer. He encourages, inspires and guides all others, the unofficial “dean” of ZooStock musicians.

• Robert Carl will receive the “Billie Payne Leadership Award.”

Some of the greatest outcomes for the Cancer Society in the 40-year history of Relay for Life came about as a result of broad participation in Pottsville, under the leadership of Billie Payne and a handful of others.

“The renewed connection of the ACS mission to the people of Pottsville and surrounding Schuylkill County communities is palpable with businesses, individuals and organizations,” Krushinsky said. “One person at the center of the action — then and now — is Robert Carl. That is ‘leadership.’ ”

The cash bar opens at 5 p.m., with the dinner at 6 p.m. The program begins at 7 p.m.

The deadline for reservations is March 13. Call 570-573-2807 to reserve a seat.

Daffodil and tulip orders are also being taken. To order, call 570-805-4555; fax 570-805-4554; email CancerTelethon@gmail.com; or visit the volunteer office at 33 W. Ridge St., Lansford, or the Hiles Brothers office in Summit Hill.

The annual telethon will be broadcast live from Penn’s Peak on April 11 and 12.