The Annual VIP Recognition Luncheon is to a VIP Program Director, what the Oscars are to the film industry. As the program director, you want your event to be flawless and memorable. You want your honorees to know their hard work is appreciated, and you want the audience to enjoy the event. This year was no different. Even though my computer crashed the day before the luncheon, the event proved to be a huge success! We managed to have a guest speaker, seventeen VIP Certificates of Recognition, two engraved plaques, and even one surprise award.

The program began when VIP Sacramento Advisory Committee Chair Terri Turner, introduced Judge David De Alba, the master of ceremonies. Judge De Alba announced a significant change for VIP. After more than thirty years VIP, formerly Volunteers In Parole, has changed its name to VIP Mentors. The new name focuses on what we do: mentor men and women on parole transitioning back into society. While the name has changed, our mission has not. We always have been, and will continue to be "partners in success."

Among our noteworthy guests were Associate Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye; Judge Thomas Cecil; Commissioner David Foos; Sunday Balalis, who represented Senator Michael Machado; Sheriff Lou Blanas; Sacramento Police Chief Albert Najera; Chief Deputy District Attorney Cindy Besemer; Public Defender Paulino Duran; Chief Assistant Public Defender Karen Flynn; Sacramento County Bar Association Immediate Past President Joan Stone; Conflict Defense Attorneys Executive Director Fern Laethem; Sacramento County Bar Association Executive Director Carol Prosser; and VIP Board of Governor's Member Andee Leisy.

The California Department of Corrections (CDC) was well represented by Director Jeanne Woodford and Assistant Deputy Director Marilyn Kalvelage. Director Woodford's keynote speech applauded the achievements of award recipients and recognized the dedication of VIP attorney volunteers.

Interim Folsom City Attorney Bruce C. Cline and attorney Diane Matthews were among those recognized for their participation in the VIP Sacramento Advisory Committee. Joan Stone was also honored for her service to the Committee while she was president of the Sacramento County Bar Association.

We also recognized two individuals who were original members of the Advisory Committee. Judge Gary E. Ransom (who was unable to attend) and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Tom Johnson.

As always, the awards to outstanding volunteer attorney mentors and volunteer parolee mentees evoked strong emotions. Ted Greene was recognized as Outstanding Attorney Volunteer, and Joe Constancio was honored with Outstanding Mentee Achievement. Joe has been faced with many difficult obstacles, but he never gave in to the "easy" solution. Instead, he refused to retreat into his old way of life. Ted and Joe are also match partners, and both expressed respect and admiration for what each has brought to the other's life.

Angela Cash and Annette "Nina" Iglecias were presented with the Outstanding Mentorship Match award. From the moment they met, Angela and Nina seemed like two friends who had grown up together. Angela said, "It's all about Nina. I have so much admiration for her." The audience both applauded and laughed when Nina said, "It's such an honor to get an award from the state rather than be a ward of the state!"

Kathleen Serrano read a heartfelt letter she wrote about her parole agent, R.C. Allen, who was recognized as VIP Outstanding Parole Agent.

This year, VIP also recognized six graduates of the VIP program. Those ex-parolees have not only turned their lives around, but they've become active in community outreach. They work as drug and alcohol counselors, organize recovery groups for other addicts and parolees trying to get back control of their lives, testify at legislative hearings, work with at- risk youth, participate in motivational and public speaking, and share their stories with the media.

As the program ended, Andee Leisy, a VIP Board of Governors member, came to the podium and surprised Judge David De Alba with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Judge De Alba has been a long-time supporter and participant of VIP. His involvement dates back to the 1980s. He has been a mentor, advisory committee chair, and is currently a member of the local advisory committee.

I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to: the Delta King Staff for helping make the event flawless; Patrice Photography; Senator Michael Machado who provided Senate Certificates of Recognition for all our honorees; the dignitaries and honored guests who were present; the individuals who made financial contributions; and all the attendees whose support, belief and/or participation in the VIP mission have helped make VIP the phenomenal organization that it is.

If you are interested in becoming a VIP Mentor or learning more about VIP, please contact Angela Tillotson, Program Director, at (916) 324-4141, ext. 259, or by email at vip-sacramento@vipmentors.org, or see our website at vipmentors.org.

July / August 2005