- This event has passed.
Pierce Yonker Memorial Big Air in the Bowl
February 25 @ 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Saturday, February 25
6pm at the Ski Bowl
The Pierce Yonker Memorial Big Air in the Bowl, named after Pierce Yonker, a well-known & loved Grand Haven local snowboarding prodigy who took his own life in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic in April 2020, the event has been officially renamed, the Pierce Yonker Memorial Big Air in the Bowl. His sudden, tragic death rocked the community, and served as a gut-wrenching reminder of an epidemic plaguing our town, a community that consistently ranks in the top five for state-wide youth suicide rates.
After Pierce’s death, his friends & ski bowl family wanted to create an event that reconciled his passion for snowboarding and the despair they felt in wondering if they could have done more to help him. The annual competition seems like a fitting memorial for our lost friend, combining the thrill of big air tricks and competition with the camaraderie of fellow ski bums, friends & family-all to support an important cause.
The idea is to create a tradition built on an existing event, where everyone who knew Pierce can get together once a year for a good cause & to remember an amazing person. Andy Alt, MHSB board member & outreach chair said the fundraising goal encompasses expanding outreach of the Mulligans Hollow Scholarship Foundation, which provides financial assistance for underprivileged youth in an effort to get them outside, active & physically on the hill during the winter months. Months that, in Michigan, traditionally have the highest suicide rates due to cold temps, isolation & seasonal depression. Things such as; season passes, gear, transportation, private lessons & even lunch are all barriers to skiing & riding for kids & families who are just making ends meet.
Financial donations, volunteering & event services &/or prizes all support our mission to make skiing & snowboarding accessible for every kid in the Tri-Cities. Monetary donations are accepted on our website or in person at our lodge.
All money raised from ski bowl events go directly to the Mulligans Hollow Scholarship & Operating Funds.
We can’t wait to see you all on the 25th & we thank you in advance for honoring Pierce & supporting extreme athletes who embody his passion & spirit 🤘🏻
Fly high Pierce 💚
Please consider making a donation in any denomination to:
MULLIGANS HOLLOW SKI BOWL ASSOCIATION
If donating by mail please put “Pierce Yonker Memorial Fund” in the memo: