Community invited to a free night of tubing at ‘Slopes of Hope’ event
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IDAHO FALLS – Brick House Recovery and Gateway Park in Idaho Falls are gearing up for the third annual Slopes of Hope on Friday, March 1.
Members of the community are invited to take a mental health break and enjoy an evening at the Gateway Park snow hill at 2001 West Sunnyside Road. Free tubing, snowboarding and skiing will be available, along with a tailgate barbecue provided by Rowley White RV.
Jason Coombs, co-founder of the event and president of Brick House Recovery, tells EastIdahoNews.com the open-house style activity is intended to raise awareness of those who struggle with addictions and mental health issues.
“Come and learn about some of the resources, make some connections, ask some questions and eat some food,” Coombs says.
Slopes of Hope has been held at Kelly Canyon in years past. Resort owner Mike VanSteenkiste opened the Gateway Park snow hill in Idaho Falls last fall, which prompted organizers to hold this year’s event a little closer to home.
Coombs and VanSteenkiste had a mutual friend who was struggling with an addiction and that led to the creation of Slopes of Hope.
“It is so rewarding to be a recipient of the positive message and good vibes that are created at this event, especially when there are so many who suffer from mental wellness issues and addictions. Our partners at Gateway Parks by Kelly Canyon have earned my deepest respect for their dedication to this annual experience,” Coombs says in a news release.
Though the event is free, donations are encouraged. All proceeds benefit The Center for Hope in Idaho Falls, a nonprofit that provides “education and participation in activities that support wellness and recovery in behavioral health challenges.” The nonprofit is hosting an after party at 530 East Anderson following the event.
The event is happening from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to people of all ages. Those who would like to attend are asked to fill out a waiver before they arrive.
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“Get ready for an unforgettable evening at this year’s Slopes of Hope,” a news release says. “Enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor fun Gateway Parks provides.”
Our attorneys tell us we need to put this disclaimer in stories involving fundraisers: EastIdahoNews.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries.