The annual Cancer Fighters' Tribute Dinner will be held Sunday at the Mahoning Valley Ambulance in Lehighton.

The event recognizes survivors, individuals, businesses and groups who work to promote awareness and raise funds to help find a cure for cancer. Their dedication inspires others to join in the everyday fight against cancer.The American Cancer Society Telethon committee serving the Carbon/Schuylkill area hosts the dinner. It also serves as a kick off for the upcoming Telethon April 9 and 10 at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe.The dinner is an excellent opportunity for those interested to learn more about the committee and to enjoy the company of good neighbors who are working toward finding cures and ending cancer in our lifetime.The committee announced this year's award recipients:"The ZooCrew" will receive the "Fundraiser Spotlight Award." Jesse, Dave and Lisa Hiles along with Ann Marie Calabrese, lead a dedicated crew of volunteers during a Labor Day "labor of love," an eight-hour concert that features local performers. The money raised benefits the telethon every April.East End Fire Company will be recognized with the "Cancer Fighter Award." The members of the East End Fire Company hold several fundraisers all year long to benefit the American Cancer Society.Rick Morgans and The Panther Valley National Honor Society will be presented with the "James J. Rhoades Award" for Outstanding School Participation. Morgans and the students have been involved with the telethon and Chinese Auction for many years.Jay Smar is the recipient of the "Patricia A. Haughton Award" for exceptional service. Smar has been involved for most of the 36 telethons.Riley Durishin is the recipient of this year's "Generation Next" Leadership Award. She has been lending her talents on the telethon since she was 5 years old. In addition to her talent, she raises pledge money from her friends and family to donate to the American Cancer Society Telethon.Bob and Alicia Silliman will be honored with the "Volunteer Extreme Award" for longtime dedication at the telethon and Chinese auction.Suzanne Stoloski & Air Products & Chemicals Inc. are the "Business Spotlight Award" recipient. Stoloski is the liaison with Air Products. She has also been involved as a volunteer with the phone room during the telethon for many years. Air Products has been a telethon major sponsor for many years.For information, contact Kathy Dombrosky Peters at 570-573-2807 or

katdombrosky@yahoo.com.