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(TOMS RIVER, NJ) – On January 15, at Ocean County College, The Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation hosted the event of the winter season, the $10,000 Engage Toms River YouTube Challenge Awards Ceremony.

Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher, OCC's President Dr. Jon Larson, and hundreds of arts supporters from Toms River came to support the 17 Producers who were vying for the coveted $10,000 Engage Toms River Grand Prize; a $1000 scholarship to Ocean County College; and two $500 GoPro Vouchers.

And the winners were:

The $10,000 Engage Toms River Grand Prize Award went to Exit 82 for "Home".

The $1000 OCC Scholarship Producer's Award went to Vlastimil Vrskovy.

The $500 GoPro Voucher for WOBM's Shawn v. Sue went to Devin Striker.

 

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And with over 7000 votes, Hooper Avenue Elementary School won the $500 GoPro Voucher for the Viewer's Choice Award.

Jeremy Grunin, Executive Director of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation surprised everyone when he asked the students from Hooper Avenue to stand up. Jeremy stated, "The $500 GoPro Voucher won't adequately thank the real talent in the video, the kids!" Jeremy continued, "So would you guys mind if we throw a pizza party for the whole school?" The students erupted with contagious excitement!

Jay Grunin, Co-Founder of The Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation, stated "It has always been Linda and my hope and intent to bring some of New York City's magic to Toms River, our home since the first day of our marriage 45 years ago. We are just thrilled to see first-hand and acknowledge the talent and community spirit shown in this, our first Engage Toms River endeavor."

Visit www.jayandlindagruninfoundation.org to see the winning videos.

originally published: 01/23/2015