The Indiana Pacers and Hoosier Lottery honored Shecara and Thomas Reives with the Hoosier Lottery Community Impact Award on December 31, 2021. The ceremony took place during a home game against the Chicago Bulls at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
They were presented the award by Pacers player Kelan Martin and Director of Public Relations at Hoosier Lottery, Julie Mahurin.
Shecara and Thomas Reives established Rook's Books Publishing, LLC in 2020, during National Family Caregivers Month and amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This was an endeavor to “tell the stories of triumph seldom heard, and to motivate families and caregivers of all types.”
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 and considers Rook his guardian angel.
Shecara and Thomas officially founded Rook's Books with the 2020 Book Drive to help support other families impacted by similar circumstances. For Shecara, "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.
The drive generated more than 1,500 books, followed by the 2021 event which saw more than 2,000 donations. These books are delivered directly to NICU families in the Indianapolis area.
The annual drive takes place each November. Rook's Books has now accumulated more than 3,500 donations to-date.
Since 1989, the Hoosier Lottery has given back to the Hoosier State more than $6bn to an array of reputable causes throughout Indiana.
