Community Foundation Surprises Nonprofits With $10,000 Checks

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida County's "Prize Patrol" hit the streets today.

They surprised five local non-profits -- delivering ceremonial checks Publisher's Clearing House-style -- to the winners of the first-ever Community Choice Awards.

One of the winners was the Utica Zoo.

Executive Director Andria Heath says the grant will be doubled by an anonymous donor.

Other winners included Spring Farm CARES, the Kirkland Town Library, Rome Capitol Theatre and Mother Marianne's West Side Kitchen.

Each of the five organizations will receive $10,000 to support a specific project.

Area residents cast nearly 14,000 votes online to select the five recipients.