Eko Backen in the News!

newspaper article

(From the Pioneer Press 2008)

Scandia tubing hill to share December profits with 20 organizations

By Joe Peters
Updated: 12/05/2008 11:10:38 PM CST

The Eko Backen snow-tubing hill in Scandia will give part of its December ticket income to nonprofit organizations.

About 20 organizations — including Forest Lake Area Schools, the North St. Paul Area Hockey Association and the Good Samaritan Society — are participating.

"They're sick of selling pizzas and knocking door to door," owner John Fraley said. "This way, they can have fun and they don't have to bother anybody."

Eko Backen will donate $2 for each ticket sold. Customers can choose which organization gets their money.

Fraley got the idea after running a two-day event for two schools last year. Scandia Elementary School received $300 from the fundraiser, and Marine Elementary School received $150.

Eko Backen is 40 years old this year, and Fraley has managed the hill for 24 of those years. This year, he upgraded the artificial snow makers.

Eko Backen is open from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older and $10 for ages 4 to 12. Children younger than 4 and adult spectators get in free.

Any community organization that wants to benefit from the fundraiser can sign up at ekobacken.com.

Joe Peters can be reached at 651-228-2119

Networking Newsletter 12.15.08
Tom E. Benson, Editor and Publisher, Networking Newsletter
Sponsored by Eko Backen www.ekobacken.com

Eko Backen first sponsor for Networking Newsletter: To share the story of their 40th anniversary of snow tubing, and the new "fun and fund" raising you'll find there, we're proud to announce that John Fraley and staff chose Networking Newsletter sponsorship to share the news. Read all about Eko Backen in the story below....and make certain your group is signed up! You can earn money for your group yet this year...the story below explains how.

P.S. Visit www.ekobacken.com for more information and share the story below with whomever plans events! You must sign up to earn what they offer. Also with any media friends who may be looking for a fun story.

Story about our sponsor.....
Eko Backen Features "Fun and Fund Raising" on 40th Snow Tubing Anniversary Ready? Set? Go!

For four decades now, Eko Backen has offered snow tubing as a fun family activity to generations of tubers. Now, celebrating 40 years of tubing at Eko Backen, you can do "fun raising" and "fund raising" (for your favorite organization) at the same time!

Tubing is simple...just choose which hill you'd like: family, intermediate or expert, wait until path is clear and away you go. Thrills and laughs are automatic! No need to walk back up; just grab a tow rope for another fun ride UP the hill. "In this busy world there is something very special and yet so simple of sliding down a snow-covered slope that brings smiles and laughter to all ages," says John Fraley, owner. A modern snowmaking system keeps snow on the slopes all season long, bright lights extend the day, and a large rustic chalet offers a warm fire, great views and a tasty menu." Tip: Mom and Dad can also watch from the hilltop chalet at no charge

"Who knew we could have so much fun in the cold?," says a group leader, Julie. "YOU! All your attention to helping us plan really showed. You run a terrific show, John. Thank you! "

The "fund raising" part is also simple at Eko Backen. During December, $2 for each lift ticket sold can be donated toward your community based organization. "It's very simple. The customer purchases a regular priced lift ticket and mentions your local organization, and $2 goes into an account to be released in January", says John.

In January and February, groups (group of 25 or more) can raise money for your organization by pre-registering . Each mention of your organization when registering puts a dollar per lift ticket in your account. Tip: Make certain your organization is registered.

In the summer, any family reunion, class reunion, company picnic, or church outing mentioning your organization when booking an event will be raising money for you! You may register by telephone (651-433-2422) or on-line... www.ekobacken.com/orgsignup.shtm.

More to know about Eko Backen...

Heads up: Tuesday Dec.16th from 4-8 p,m. Eko Backen will accept canned goods and offer $6 tubing tickets, says John Fraley. All food and profits will be given to area food shelves. Bring the family for a good time and for a good cause! For info, go to ekobacken.com or call 651.433.2422