TUCSON, AZ – Casino Del Sol, the resort enterprise owned and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, joined the Jay’vion Cole Foundation and the K Cares Foundation for a two-day community backpack give-back benefiting Pascua Yaqui youth and their families. The event was held across both of the tribe’s communities – New Pascua and Old Pascua – bringing together University of Arizona Football and local volunteers to distribute backpacks and school supplies as part of Casino Del Sol’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the Southern Arizona community it calls home.
University of Arizona football student-athletes personally brought and distributed nearly 1,000 backpacks, an increase of roughly 200 backpacks over last year’s total of approximately 800, reflecting the growing reach of the partnership each year. Each day began with visits from the University of Arizona mascots in the morning, followed by University of Arizona football student-athletes in the afternoon.
The backpack drive was established to support local youth and continues a partnership between Casino Del Sol and community organizations serving the next generation of Pascua Yaqui youth.
“I believe that the event today reflects Casino Del Sol’s commitment to giving back to our community,” said Naiyma Martinez, President of the Yoeme Youth Council. “I would just like to thank UA football and all of their volunteers, and the University of Arizona, for their collaboration in allowing this event to be possible.”
“This definitely reflects a lot of the initiatives Casino Del Sol does to give back to our community members,” said Thomas J. Cupis, Treasurer of the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council. “It means a lot to have student athletes here for the younger generation – it shows them that they can make it, and that student athletes do care.”
“Today we partner with Casino Del Sol on a backpack drive to serve, uplift, and empower youth,” said Jay’vion Cole, current cornerback for University of Arizona Football and Founder of the Jay’vion Cole Foundation.
Alongside Cole was Kedrick Reescano, Founder of the K Cares Foundation, who also partnered to give back to local youth.
“Casino Del Sol Stadium is far more than a name on a marquee – it is a partnership that reaches deep into this community,” said Amanda Sampson Lomayesva, Interim CEO of Casino Del Sol. “When our University of Arizona student-athletes show up in person, the way they did this weekend, it gives our young people real hope and excitement, and it brings genuine joy to our elders.”
