The Hamlin Hawgs is a family-oriented motorcycle group dedicated to friendships, motorcycling, and helping others. The HH has organized many fundraisers to help families and individuals in a time of need.
History
The idea of Hamlin Hawgs began with the tragic death of Mike “Beamer” Madden in 1991. Beamer’s death hit his friends hard and, in his honor, they came together as a small group of tight knit friends dedicated to one another and to others in need.
Andy Boandl became the president and ‘storyteller’ of the group. They participaged in charity motorcycle runs, including the Geisinger Children’s Hospital Run and the Ledgedale Fire Department’s Diver Down Run before organizing a run of their own for the family of a young child suffering from cancer.
During this time, the group often talked about organizing the Hamlin Hawgs as an official riding group. In May 2007, Andy Boandl was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. After the shock of the diagnosis, Jim Pinto, the Vice President of the group, had heartfelt talks with Andy about doing what Andy always wanted to do – organize the group. In November 2007, the Hamlin Hawgs held their first official meeting and have not looked back since.
The HH members then stepped forward to help with a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for Andy. With numerous local businesses donating everything from the food served to gift certificates for raffles, the dinner was a success beyond anything the members had imagined.
Sadly, in April 2008, Andy Boandl passed away. Grieving the loss of their founding president, the HH now wanted to do whatever they could for Andy’s family. In June 2008, they helped Baer’s Harley Davidson and the Honesdale Harley Riders with their benefit run for the Boandl family.
Since that time, the HH has organized numerous successful benefits for individuals and charities, including the 1st Annual Andy Boandl Memorial Poker Run, Beef ‘n Brew dinners, and Toys for Tots.
Since November 2007, the HH has grown from 20 members to 37 members in the Northern Chapter and 19 members in the Southern Chapter, and it continues to grow.
The Hamlin Hawgs officially incorporated in Pennsylvania as Hamlin Hawgs, Inc. in June, 2009.