When driving through Utica or passing by on the New York State Thruway, there's a colorful sight lighting up the skyline.  It's called the Utica Tower and it's the brainchild of local entrepreneur Frank Giotto of Fiber Instrument Sales in Oriskany.

Frank said he initially wanted to bring attention to the city as people arrived and passed by; but, as time went on, the Tower grew to represent something entirely different.

"it represents the incredible giving spirit people have in this area," said Giotto. "There's no place in America that raises money for charitable causes like we do," he added.

The accompanying website takes advantage of the giving spirit by offering people to chance to nominate someone to receive charitable funds in the name of the Utica Tower.

"If you know of a child who needs a winter jacket, school supplies or transportation, fill out the form and suggest that person or family for a contribution.  A  committee reviews the applications and a monetary donation is made usually once a week.

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