Just FYI for all of you who don't know what's up with the Big Hit lately.
My name is Robin Johnson. My husband Chris and I are the owners of the Big Hit Board Store in Breckenridge, Colorado. The shop used to be owned by my friend Chris Ferris but sadly, he passed away in January of 2005. We bought the shop from his wife Larkin and reopened it in June of 2005.
We aim to keep the Big Hit a core snowboard and skate shop. It's really important to us that the shop is a place that can support the local kids, not only on-mountain, but in their everyday lives. The shop became a second home to many of these kids, and we want to keep it a safe and positive place for everybody.
We are working on a non-profit organization that is in Chris Ferris's name in order to provide goals and oportunities to the younger riders in Colorado. There are a few events in the works to help fundraise so that a local kid can attend snowboard camp this spring. Eventually we are hoping to grow this plan into a much larger venture, and we are working with another one of Ferris's friends on an indoor skate-park.... but that's all still in the beginning stages.
For now let me just say that the Big Hit is very much alive, and that we aim to keep Chris Ferris's legacy alive too.
Welcome to the board
I am glad that you kept Big Hit going. The loss of Chris Ferris was really sad for the snowboarding world. Please keep us abreast of the goings ons at Big Hit.
FERRIS FOUNDATION
email at bighitboards@excite.com
Thanks for the welcome. We are psyched to be a part of the industry and to have the responsibility of carrying on Chris's work with the community!
I want to say that this Blogging thing is really new to me, so I'm gonna apologize in advance for anything stupid that I do - such as posting things multiple times... oops.
There are a few more events in the works besides the Oct 28th Masquerade Ball to help fundraise, such as additional parties and competitions. (We are hoping to raise enough funds to send a young snowboarder camp this spring).
Anyway here are the official criteria to be included in the Ferris Foundation's award for 2006/07:
1. this year's grades
2. a one page essay telling us why YOU should be chosen to go to camp,
and
3. either video or photographic footage of your snowboarding skills.
This is open to all Summit middle and high school kids - so don't think that you'll have to throw tricks in the 1/2 pipe against kids who have been on boards longer than you - we are looking for heart and drive, not just talent.
Email us if you have any ideas for other fundraising events - we are looking for excuses to have more parties and competitions!
Yes Thank You
The memory of Ferris is something we should all strive to maintain. I think we should try to get a run named after him on the mountain. Drago, Runke, and many others I'm sure will agree. Never Forget. Ferris R.I.P.
Fight for the little guy - Read SNOWBOARD Magazine!
larken.
panch saw larken at the burton movie sunday nite. she's doing great! yup, blew it. i shoulda snapped a foto of her. damn it!!!
Chris Ferris
Thank you Robin and Chris for keeping The Big Hit alive and for carrying on my son's legacy with the Ferris Foundation. Although we lost Chris two years ago today, it is a comfort to know that he has not been forgotten in the community he loved. And thank you Pancho, Drago and Mark for your comments on this blog. I like your idea of naming a run after Chris.
Good luck with the Ferris Foundation. Please let me know how it is going and if there is anything I can do to help.
hero.
chris ferris is hero in breckenrige and always will be. i met chris down at the underground snowboard shop in breckenrige years ago where he use to be the manager before opening up the big hit. always a welcoming vibe, always. thank you robin and chris for keeping his dream alive!!!