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Jason Sanchez Connect Day Honors Community Spirit and Legacy of Ken Vargas

     The Homeless Coalition of Cobre Valley, in partnership with CVIT, the Sara K Foundation, and Gila County Public Health and Community Services, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Miami Area Unified School District #40 for graciously allowing the use of Lee Kornegay Intermediate School as the venue for this year’s Jason Sanchez Connect Day.

     This year’s event began with a heartfelt prayer and dedication in memory of Ken Vargas, a beloved community member who spent his life giving back. Vargas went above and beyond to support children and families—buying shoes so kids could play sports, purchasing supplies for students in need, and ensuring that the people in need never went without a meal. His passing, which came just one day before last year’s Connect Day, left a deep void in the community. But his impact continues to inspire. The saying “Live Like Ken Vargas” has become a motto in the Cobre Valley, a reminder to follow his example of compassion and generosity. Hosting the event at Lee Kornegay was especially meaningful, as Vargas not only taught there but also coached basketball in the very gym where the day’s activities took place. 

      The success of Jason Sanchez Connect Day would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors. The Gold Sponsors included Ram Specialist, Sara K Foundation, CVIT, Copper Mountain Transit, and Earthquest, LLC. The Silver Sponsors were Oasis Print Services, Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, Rural Air, and Irene’s Mexican Food.

     Local businesses also played a huge role in making the day possible. A special thank you goes out to: 60 Motors, Vida e Café, Earth Mover Tires, Dairy Queen, State Farm – Fernando Shipley, Salina’s Smoke House, Ed’s La Casita East, Nurdberger, Big O’ Tires, Horne Motors, Anna’s Petals, Copper State Muffler, Kino Floors and Interiors, United Jewelry Company Inc., Peace Out Salon, The Batting Range, First Presbyterian Church, Jumbo Chinese Restaurant, Copper Cities Coffee, Judy’s Cookhouse, and Animal Magnetism. We also give a special thanks to Miami High School’s culinary class, Green Cuisine, for preparing delicious food for the event.  A special thank you also goes out to all the volunteers that helped.

     A wide range of community resources came together to provide valuable information and services for local families. These included: Heritage Health Care Center, Mercy Care, VA (Veterans Affairs), Gideons, Molina Health Care Inc., Health Choice Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gila County Team 43 Child & Family Resources, Veterans Employment – DES AZ @ Work, Central Arizona Aging, MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), Gila County Library District, Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, Celebrate Recovery, AZ Youth Partnership, Gila County Tobacco Program, Arizona Office of Constituent Engagement, WOWZA, LLC, Gila County Community Services, Gila County Public Health, Lions Club, Unhooked Recovery, Sara K Foundation, and Southwest Fair Housing.

     Jason Sanchez Connect Day continues to serve as a powerful reminder of what a community can accomplish when it comes together to help one another. With the legacy of Ken Vargas as inspiration, this year’s event not only provided resources and support but also celebrated the true spirit of compassion that defines the Cobre Valley.