THE AMERICANS MOTORCYCLE CLUB originated in Mexico on March 14 1970. We called ourselves "Los Dos Gringos", which is spanish for "The Two Americans". Traveling north a year later the name was changed to THE AMERICANS MOTORCYCLE CLUB. The Bottom rocker was changed from Mexico to Eagle. Eagle meaning Chapter of the Eagle, which is the Mother Chapter and Traveling government of THE AMERICANS MOTORCYCLE CLUB. A few years later, the chapter of the Eagle felt it necessary to change the bottom rocker from Eagle to Western, Eastern,Midwest, etc., so that we could be recognized as THE AMERICANS MOTORCYCLE CLUB and not the The American Eagle.
We quote the preamble of the constitution of the United States. "We the people of THE AMERICANS MOTORCYCLE CLUB are and should be a proud people for we have stumbled upon the beginnings of something that has never been done in the motorcycle world. We have been fortunate to have a great free country in which we live and the forefathers of our country to guide us on the road to freedom, to establish an outstanding image,to impress the upon the public that there are good individuals in all societies and to create and alternative to the motorcycle world. To be charitable and help needy children, to promote trafffic safety among the young and inexperienced." To be truthful, Los Dos Gringos original intetion was to be other than a warring outlaw motorcycle club,but to live and look as we pleasedwithout hurting others. To impress upon the public that there are good individuals in the motorcycle world.
Then in 1978 something happened. THE AMERICANS MOTOCYCLE CLUB was introduced to a young man named Steven Kent , who at nine years of age had been fighting cancer for 3 years. After several visits to see little Stevie in the hospital and witnessing the effect on his family of providing for a child with a life threatening illness, it became evident the direction THE AMERICANS MOTORCYCLE CLUB would be focusing its efforts. We established a relationship with Dr. Wilbur from Children's Cancer Research Institute in San Francisco. It was through this relationship THE AMERICANS MOTORCYLE CLUB became a supporter of the Children's Cancer Research Itstitue, hosting many fundraisers to raise money for cancer research in children. Impressed by the strength of little Stevie, we decided, with the blessings of his family to initiate him into our brotherhood as an Honorary Patch Holder. Also receiving this honorary position were two other young cancer patients, Burt and Ronnie.
We continue to seek out and support families in our local communities who are providing for children with life threatening illnesses. Our primary cause is fighting children's cancer. We also support national and local community charitable projects. Our funding is raised through charity fundraising at local events over the years; we have been successful at providing financial support, for over 40 families. In particular, there were also two young girls, Natasha and Breanna.
Then, in January 2007, six year old Breanna, granddaughter of one of our Brothers, was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Breanna's family was introduced to George Mark Children's House (GMCH) in San Leandro, Ca. GMCH opened its doors in 2004 as the first freestanding children's respite and end of life facility in the country. GMCH provides pallitave care for children with lifespan limiting conditions and to their families. Pallitave care is a philosophy of care designed to relieve the suffering associated with chronic, life span limiting and terminal illnesses. With our Brother and his granddaughter experiencing the services of GMCH first hand, it beacme obvious THE AMERICANS MOTORCYCLE CLUB would direct its fundraising efforts towards the GMCH. The house itself is designed to look and feel like a family home, complete with all the comforts, such as a fully staffed kitchen, playrooms and family apartments. it is in the nurturing environment that the house offers three critical services: Respite, Transitional( in between hospital and home) andendof life.
THE AMERICANS MOTORCYCLE CLUB also supports other in need within the community on an "as needed basis". We support causes such as: Toys for Tots, numerous toy runs, and Breast cancer Awareness (Pink October) to name a few. If you know a child in our community who has been diagnosed with a life threatening or terminal illness, please let us know.
I hope this introduction gives you a good idea of who we are and what it is we do. If you have any questions, feel free to contact any of the Patch Holders.
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