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WASHINGTON - A group of 27 Hilton Hotel employees who recently won a $10,000 Powerball jackpot are planning on giving much of the money back to the community.

The pool of 27 Hilton employees matched four of the numbers and the Powerball. "It's just fitting that it came together and we became winners in this," said worker Karen Feketis.

Usually the catering, events and sales managers would have their own offices, but the hotel is going through a massive renovation, so they are sharing space. A week ago, they decided to play.

"Everybody started going through their desks digging out change and pennies," said worker Bridgette Barksdale.

One of the Hilton workers came down to a liquor store to buy a ticket. It was the first time the coworkers pooled their money to buy a lottery ticket.

"Frank wasn't in his office at the time and knowing that Frank is a regular contributor to the D.C. Lottery, I knew that he would want to play. So I said, you know what lets put one more dollar in," said worker Thomas O'Doherty.

When the winnings are divided up each of the players gets about $377. Many of them are donating the money to Tourism Cares, a non-profit that helps preserve historic sites. The employees will help the group clean-up the FDR Memorial.

"During this economic climate, it is fantastic to see people giving back to benefit others," said Jeffrey Young, D.C. Lottery Director.

"It's the right thing to do. We've been a historical landmark here for many many years and while many people come to see us everyday we want to make sure that they know we're an important part of the community too," said Feketis.

The first-time pool says they may play again, but they're not sure if lightning can strike twice.

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