ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Hundreds of spectators packed into the Kodak Center of Performing Arts just off West Ridge Road for the ROC Awards Sunday night.
The yearly event recognizes local artists, actors and community activists.
There are more than 40 categories in which awards are given out.
CEO of the ROC Awards, Yolanda Smilez, says having something like this for Rochester encourages hard work and creativity.
"It's like this, remember when you were in kindergarten and you always wanted to get that perfect attendance award? You know how you felt when you grabbed it. I think our community needs that. We need to be recognized, we need to have that acknowledgment and saying you know you've done well and that makes you want to be a better business person and be better at your craft," said Smilez.
It was the fifth year of the ROC Awards.