Mike Riley strums along with his Boogiemen at the final night party at Harpoon Harry’s in Punta Gorda’s Fishermen’s Village.
FILE PHOTO
PORT CHARLOTTE — Sponsors Peace River Rotary Club are hosting the Life of Riley fundraiser at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Aug. 7 to celebrate Michael Riley’s contributions to the community.
Riley is the founder of the rock and soul band The BoogieMen and performed for 36 years before retiring. The band has performed in 186 charity events in the local region, including the previous Harpoon Harry’s location at Fishermen’s Village.
Riley worked for years in the Charlotte County Public School system. He started as a physical education teacher at Meadow Park Elementary. He served as the assistant principal in multiple schools before becoming the manager of adult and community education, also acting as a spokesperson for county schools.
He also served on the boards for YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County. He’s currently a liaison for the Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program.
Riley was the vice president of the 1996-97 class of Leadership Charlotte with the Chamber of Commerce. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions to the community.
Riley has kidney cancer that extended into his lungs, but remains active.
The Life of Riley fundraiser will raise money for the Back Pack Kidz, a nonprofit that focuses on feeding hungry children in the state.
Nannette Leonard, a public relations firm owner, said the event is to celebrate how Riley has given back to the community.
“He touches everybody with his kindness, and he’s an exceptional man,” Leonard said. “You can’t reduce his life to a paragraph.”
Leonard said the event is a big summer party, not a gala. The fundraiser will include a silent auction, catering by Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, music and a family-led roast of Riley.
“If you have been touched by Mike Riley, it’s going to be a great event to pay tribute to this extraordinary guy,” Leonard said.
General admission costs $132. The event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 7 at 24411 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte.
For more information, visit: ticketstripe.com/lifeofriley2026.