bill hoeppner,  Miami Beach, Florida

International Leather boy 2008

Florida Leather boy 2008
International Mr. Leather 2007, 2nd Runner Up
Mr. Ramrod 2006

bill was introduced to the Leather Community in 1993 in New York City. At that time the community was still galvanized by the AIDS Epidemic.  The philanthropic nature of the leather community was what immediately drew him in and is one of the many things that still inspires him today. 

bill became an associate member of The Philadelphians MC and at that time began his work as a volunteer for non-profit organizations, supporting the community through fund raising.  During his volunteer career, bill was the Co-Founder of Positively Sober, a Ft. Lauderdale support group for sober people living with HIV/AIDS and in 2007 helped to create Clean Sober Leather (CSL), an online support group for sober leather men and woman struggling with staying sober today in the leather community.  He is proud to have worked with the Hospice of the Florida Keys, Project Link of Ft. Lauderdale, Kids in Distress, Toys for Tots, National Gay and Lesbian Task force, is a supporting member of The Leather Archives, Chicago, Illinois and currently serves as President of the Board for Bound South, Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  This is his second year as producer or The Mr. Ramrod Contest at The Ramrod Bar in Ft. Lauderdale and is also engaged with Beyond Leather to further the Leather Community in South Florida.

Bound South, Inc. annually produces The Leather Masked Ball, Thanksgiving Friday, to raise funds for organizations like The Leather Archives and Museum, Chicago, Illinois; The Stonewall Library and Archives, Ft. Lauderdale; Tuesdays Angels, Ft. Lauderdale and Care Resources, Miami, Florida.  Funds collected are earmarked for AIDS Research and Education; and the research, collection and preservation of leather history and the history of the gay community.

He was recently nominated for two Pantheon of Leather Awards, Man of the Year 2008 and Florida Regional Award 2008.  In Addition, Bound South, Inc, was also nominated for two Pantheon of Leather Awards, Small Non-Profit Organization of the Year 2008 and Large Event of the Year 2008.

The journey from Mr. Ramrod 2006 to International Leather boy 2008, was one of personal challenge and growth.  Having been sober 22 years, bill brings his experience strength and hope to help educate and raise awareness regarding the ongoing struggle with substance abuse and its impact on the leather community. This journey has given bill people who he will always call friends and others who have become family.