Volunteers are the driving force within the American Cancer Society, and it’s thanks in large part to them that the local chapter’s annual telethon goes off without a hitch.

A few of the people who spent countless hours supporting the nonprofit were honored Sunday 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 over 60 guests.Caine Brobst received the Fundraiser Spotlight Award.Some of Brobst’s many roles include past performances on the telethon, soliciting auction items and helping set up the event.“Last year I had three friends battling cancer all pass away,” Brobst said. “I encouraged everyone I know to get involved. The more help you can give, the lighter the work. The great thing about this telethon is all of the money stays in this area. People you know helping other people you know. That is what it’s all about.”The Cancer Fighter Award went to Madeline Ligenza, who has brought dance talent to the telethon, answered phones, promoted daffodil sales and helped with tabulations for the event.“I don’t remember how I got started, and it’s hard to imagine I’ve been doing this for decades,” she said. “It really feels great to give back to the community. I am a survivor myself and I really hope someday we fight this disease for good.”Alyssa Tirpak has become an integral part of the telethon over the past five years, each of which has seen her take on a larger role.Her actions earned her the Generation Next Leadership Award.At a young age, Tirpak used to entice family members to stay up late to see the final tally come in.Now she is a key member behind the scenes.“It’s a lot different from what you see on television,” Tirpak joked.“It wasn’t enough for me to sit on the couch anymore. I wanted to not only make a pledge, I wanted to participate.”The James J. Rhoades Award for outstanding school participation went to Lehighton Area Middle School’s student council and adviser Ken Eck.Eck became involved with the telethon following the retirement of John Lopata.Student council will donate $4,100 at the telethon. Money was raised through events like a volleyball tournament, dodgeball tournament, twin day and pajama day fundraisers, among other events.“The students make this happen,” Eck said. “They are dedicated, committed and hardworking leaders. It is a really creative group that is always surprising me.”The Notre Dame Club of Schuylkill County received the Patricia A. Haughton Award for exceptional service.Each year, the group hosts a basketball tournament and other fundraisers.“We’ve all been touched by cancer,” Stephanie McCarroll, treasurer, said.“We’ve gone from CYO tournaments to having our local firefighters play, and it’s always a pleasure to be able to support this wonderful organization.”The Volunteer Extreme Award went to Yvonne Stoffey, who helps with the auction, daffodil sales, holiday sales and telethon.Lisa Johnson accepted the Business Spotlight Award on behalf of the Blue Mountain Health System.Blue Mountain provides an annual scholarship, and Johnson herself helps with daffodil sales and recruits telephone volunteers.“I’m not anything special without the team I have helping me at Blue Mountain,” Johnson said.“We’ve all been doing this for so many years, we don’t give it a second thought. My parents instilled the necessity of volunteering in me and it is something that has stuck to this day.”Tom Clark, retired WNEP meteorologist, gave the night’s keynote speech.A prostate cancer survivor, Clark said he was proud to pay tribute to those men and women fighting and those who have won their battle with the disease.“There is lots of hope,” Clark said.“There are currently 800 medicines and vaccines for cancer in clinical trials. Now, more than ever, we’re on the cusp of a breakthrough.”