The Marky B Boardfest was started in 2001 after King Pine employee, Mark Bierweiler, was tragically killed in a car accident. His parents, Chip and Barbara (also long-time King Pine employees) organized the snowboard race in his memory as a way to honor the love that Mark had for snowboarding. When he wasn't busy inside the Rental Shop, Mark was out on the mountain, helping others learn the sport.
18 years later, the race continues to provide local snowboarders a chance to ride the area's most unique snowboard-only race.
What has the money raised gone towards? Monies from previous years' races went to:
Purchasing new features for the Terrain Park at King Pine
Video Equipment to assist ski/snowboarding lessons and training which in the off-season will be used by the Teen Clinic at the White Mountain Community Health Center to develop curriculum based on The Success Principles by Jack Canfield.
Assisted several instructors in training towards certification
Donated to local schools' snowboarding programs so that children, who might otherwise not be able to afford it, can enjoy the sport that Mark
In past years, the money has gone towards:
Snowboard instructor certification
Tuition for snowboard lessons for local elementary school students
Terrain Park and race equipment purchases
Donations to the Granite State Adaptive ski program
Sponsoring teams for "Cynthia's Challenge" event held at King Pine
Sponsoring the King Pine Snowboard Race/Freestyle team