Cancer Fighters’ Tribute Dinner kicks off telethon events
Pastor Jennifer Eckhart leads the Blue Mountain Community Church Praise Team in an original song, “Broken,” at the annual Cancer Fighters’ Tribute Dinner. The praise team received the Patricia A. Haughton Award for Exceptional Service for its longtime participation in the telethon and the church’s sponsorship support. With Eckhart are guitarist Hank Brosky and percussionist Cliff Eckhart. Other members of the praise team performing at the event were bass player Michael Eckhart and Jessica Neal on the keyboard. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Spotlight Award honoree Diane O’Donnell with husband Wally. Diane has worked with the Tamaqua Relay for Life for 20 years, first as a helper with a hospital team and eventually as relay organizer. The Tamaqua Relay for Life celebrates its 25th anniversary this June. “Diane is probably the main reason Tamaqua’s relay has lasted 25 years,” cancer telethon chair Joe Krushinsky said while presenting the award.
Volunteer Extreme Award honoree Judy Hoppes and Joe Krushinsky, cancertelethon.org chair. Hoppes said she has spent almost half her life working in some way for the American Cancer Society — first as a volunteer, then an employee and now as a volunteer again. She said she has been fortunate to see just how money raised for the ACS helps people in our area. Tamaqua Area High School National Honor Society adviser Marietta Kotch and Keystone Karate of Lehighton will receive awards during the telethon. Kotch will receive the James J. Rhoades Award for Outstanding School Participation, and Keystone will be presented with the Generation Next Leadership Award.
Cheryl Kabana accepts the Cancer Fighter Award on behalf of herself and her husband, Ronald, during the Cancer Fighters’ Tribute Dinner on March 23 at Chantilly’s in Barnesville. The Kabanas were honored for quietly, inconspicuously and generously supporting local ACS volunteers and events for years. The tribute dinner is the annual kickoff to telethon events, including the tricky tray auction at Lakeside and the actual 24-hour telethon airing from Penn’s Peak April 7 and 8.
