VIP Sacramento/Yolo is the only nonprofit in Sacramento and Yolo counties that recruit attorneys, and only attorneys, to be mentors to men and women on parole from state prison. With the help of our dedicated mentors, VIP has helped hundreds of parolees turn their lives around. The Annual Recognition Luncheon in May is the one time each year that our community gathers to recognize the most successful mentors, mentees and key program volunteers.

Last year, when Angela Tillotson was program director, the VIP computer crashed the day before the event. This year, I was warned. Due to an untimely computer virus, I recreated the names and addresses on our invitation list. Since I wanted my first recognition event to be flawless, I did a lot of research, bugged everyone who could advise me about the event and prevailed upon Angela to help me. My objective: a seamless two hours during which VIP would award 5 Certificates of Recognition, 4 Certificates of Appreciation; 7 Certificates for Outstanding Service, and 1 Special Award to our outgoing Chair.

The planning paid off. It was a memorable event. Fortunately, I had an irreplaceable master of ceremonies, Judge Gary Ransom, who got everyone into the spirit of VIP. Judge Ransom shared how he truly believed in what VIP Mentors stands for - mentoring that provides guidance, a role model and a friend to help bring about a successful transition back into society.

Among our noteworthy guests were 3rd District Court of Appeal Associate Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye; Sunday Balais of Senator Michael J. Machado's office; Sacramento County Bar Association President Jack Laufenberg; Sacramento County Bar Association past President Joan Stone; Sacramento County Public Defender Paulino Duran; Senior Tax Counsel Gregory Day; Kelly Tanalepy; Colin Martin of the Prison Industry Authority; and Trino Savala. Steve Harrold and Alberto Roldan represented the Sacramento County District Attorney's office. Suzann Gostovich and Jessie Morris attended from the Yolo County Public Defenders Office.

Marilyn Kalvelage, Deputy Director, Adult Parole Operations Division, Sharon Jackson, Region I Parole Administrator, and Terri Turner, Parole Administrator Field Operations represented the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Terri Turner also chairs our VIP Advisory Committee.

As always, the awards for Outstanding Attorney Volunteer, Mentee Achievement, Match of the Year and Parole Agent evoked strong emotions among family, friends, and guests. Brett Gainer and Ronald Berry received the Outstanding Match of the Year award. When Brett and Ronald first met, they hit it off well, met regularly, shared fun activities and became friends.

Mentee Elizabeth Gomez, who received an Outstanding Achievement Award faced many obstacles but never gave up. Kelly Tanapley, Elizabeth's mentor, expressed her admiration for Elizabeth and her pride in Elizabeth's accomplishments, including a successful discharge from parole.

Mentor Jessie Morris was recognized as the Outstanding Attorney Volunteer and Mark Delfin received the Outstanding Parole Agent award. We also honored three original members of the local Advisory Committee who were unable to attend: Judge Thomas Cecil, Linda Harter and W. Stuart Home. Finally we recognized the important contributions of VIP Board of Governors member Andee Leisy and our outgoing Advisory Committee Chair, Terri Turner.

My deep appreciation and gratitude goes out to so many people and organizations that helped make the 8th Annual Recognition Luncheon such a wonderful event.

If you are interested in becoming a VIP mentor or learning more about VIP, please contact Collette M. Aldana at (916) 324- 4141 ext. 259, or by email at vip-sacramento@vipmentors.org, or visit our website at vipmentors.org.

September/October 2006