VIP Shows Support for Sacramento’s Sport Teams
By Angela S. Tillotson

The volunteers and supporters of Volunteers In Parole Sacramento regularly attend sports events. However, in August, they outdid themselves. VIP attended the end of season Rivercats game on August 28 and also enjoyed an August 21st Sacramento Monarchs home game and the August 29th Monarchs play off game. The Sacramento Monarchs, Maloof Sports and Entertainment, and Palms Hotel generously donated the tickets to the two Monarchs games and the entire VIP community would like to extend a very sincere and deep gratitude to them for their gift.

One doesn’t have to be a sports fan to have a great time at these VIP outings. For example, I have little or no knowledge of sports, but, for several reasons, always have a great time. First, despite the fact that I have no idea what is going on, I love all the people coming together and experiencing positive energy. There is a sense of excitement and camaraderie that is highly contagious. Many of the mentees have never attended a professional sports event and it is exciting to see mentors and mentees sharing this experience together. Secondly, these events delight me because of the diverse groups they bring together. They unite attorneys, parole agents, parolees, children, friends, families, and support staff of the Department of Corrections. At both the baseball and basketball games, there were three generations of family members. It was a wonderful way to bridge the gap.

If you would like to learn more about VIP or are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Angela S. Tillotson, Program Director at (916) 324-4141, ext. 259, by fax at (916) 445-8864, or by email at vipsacramento@earthlink.net.