Who would think that flying down an icy hill on a mattress could do good in the community?
This year, Bridges of Hope is trying a new fundraiser: Hope on the Slopes, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Mount Ski Gull in rural Cass County, west of Gull Lake. Teams of four will slide down the tubing hill on a mattress covered in a special polyester sleeve.
"We clocked them at our test run, and they were going anywhere from 26 to 30 mph," said Tedi Russell, Bridges of Hope marketing and community engagement manager, during our Bright Spot conversation on the KAXE Morning Show.
The cost is $400 per team, with all of the proceeds benefiting Bridges of Hope. There is still space available for more teams. Hope on the Slopes is open for spectators and also features a heated tent with live music, a raffle and food. There are still opportunities for volunteers.
Bridges of Hope has been connecting people in the Brainerd lakes area for over 23 years. They bridge people in crisis with resources for people facing food, housing and economic insecurity. According to Russell, the organization served over 1,100 households in 2025.
What they do
Bridge on 7th is Bridges of Hope's warming shelter. It's an overnight-only shelter that operates September through May.
Operation Sandwich distributes lunch and snacks to provide food security when school isn't in session.
Bridges of Hope also operates three Common Goods stores, which Russell describes as "higher-end thrift stores." Donated items like housewares, clothing and furniture are sold and proceeds benefit Bridges of Hope. Stores are located in Baxter, Crosslake and Crosby. Common Goods stores also strive to recycle and redistribute goods within the community to have an impact on products entering landfills.
Russell said she appreciates the generosity of the Brainerd lakes community, whether people are donating toward Bridge on 7th, Common Goods or volunteering their time.
"We've been very blessed to have that support all these years."
Listen to our full conversation above and visit bridgesofhopemn.org for more information.
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The Bright Spot is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
