Pacers Cares

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In 2020, during National Family Caregivers Month and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Shecara and Thomas Reives established Rook's Books Publishing, LLC – an endeavor to "tell the stories of triumph seldom heard, and to motivate families and caregivers of all types."

The Indiana Pacers and Hoosier Lottery were thrilled to honor Shecara and Thomas with the Hoosier Lottery Community Impact Award at the December 31, 2021 home game against the Chicago Bulls at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The genesis of Rook's Books began on June 9, 2017 when twin brothers Rook and Carmine were born prematurely. While Rook's journey ended on June 18, 2017, Carmine survived through more than 150 days in the NICU with Rook now his Guardian Angel.

To help support other families impacted by similar circumstances, Shecara and Thomas officially founded Rook's Books with the 2020 Book Drive generating more than 1,500 books followed by the 2021 event which saw over 2,000 donations! Carmine has even started making his own donations in honor of his brother as a cornerstone of Rook's Books and its mission.

The annual drive takes place each November. With an even more successful Book Drive during the most recent 2021 holiday season, Rook's Books has now accumulated more than 3,500 donations to-date. These books are delivered directly to NICU families in the Indianapolis area fulfilling a need Shecara first recognized during her family's experience back in 2017. For her, "telling the stories of our little heroes as we reach new heights, encouraging families and kids around the world" remains at the core of Rook's Books.

Shecara and Thomas were presented the Hoosier Lottery Community Impact Award by Pacers player Kelan Martin and Director of Public Relations at Hoosier Lottery, Julie Mahurin.

Since 1989, the Hoosier Lottery has given back to the Hoosier State - more than six billion dollars to an array of reputable causes throughout the state, helping to build a Stronger, Safer, Smarter Indiana.

You can visit the Rook's Books website here.

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Rook’s Books Founders Honored with Hoosier Lottery Community Impact Award

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INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Pacers players, coaches, and team leadership spent Thursday afternoon at Putnamville Correctional Facility, engaging with prison residents in an effort to better understand how to address chronic disparities in the criminal justice system. Indiana's version of the national the Play For Justice program was a partnership with the Indiana Department of Correction, Represent Justice, the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, and The Last Mile and included a roundtable discussion and basketball game at the facility.

"Many of us recognize the deep systemic challenges in our criminal justice system, but meaningful change only happens when we humanize the powerful stories of those directly impacted by it," said Pacers Sports & Entertainment owner Steve Simon. "To hear directly from these men, who take responsibility for their actions and champion a more just system for future generations, reminds us of the need to continue to give a voice to those seeking a better way."

PHOTO GALLERY: Play for Justice at Putnamville Correctional Facility »

The program began with an intimate roundtable discussion between Pacers players and coaches and residents of the facility. The conversation was moderated by Sam Lewis, Executive Director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition who himself is a former life prisoner and whose personal experiences within the system helped frame the dialogue around the need for ongoing reform. Participants shared their insights and stories, an opportunity to learn from each other and reshape their own perspectives about overincarceration and disproportionate representation in prisons around the country.

Following the roundtable discussion, residents took part in a basketball game in which Pacers players participated as coaches and spectators, cheering on their respective teams. Nearly 200 incarcerated residents attended the game, which included a halftime show, entertainment during time outs, music, and Boomer, the Pacers beloved mascot. A few Pacers staff members, such as former player and current color analyst Eddie Gill, even participated in the game itself.

"It was amazing to see the abundance of talent and artistry of the men inside be revealed and celebrated after such a challenging time for the incarcerated community, due to the pandemic," said Daniel Forkkio, CEO of Represent Justice. "We are grateful to the Pacers players and coaching staff for joining Represent Justice, Anti-Recidivism Coalition, The Last Mile, and PLUS ONE society and bringing hope and inspiration to the men inside today."

In partnership with Represent Justice, Anti-Recidivism Coalition and The Last Mile, produced by PLUS ONE society and executive produced by Kristen Ingram, Play for Justice uplifts stories of hope and redemption, to break down stigmas associated with individuals — disproportionately people of color and the poor — who are impacted by the criminal justice system.  In select prison facilities, family members have been able to attend and watch the game in addition to celebrity guests, elected officials, media and other residents of the prison facility.

Past Play for Justice events have taken place with the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, and at All-Star 2020 in Chicago.

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