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Mike Riley strums along with his Boogiemen at the final night party at Harpoon Harry\u2019s in Punta Gorda\u2019s Fishermen\u2019s Village.<\/p>\n
FILE PHOTO<\/p>\n
PORT CHARLOTTE \u2014 Sponsors Peace River Rotary Club<\/a> are hosting the Life of Riley fundraiser at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church<\/a> on Aug. 7 to celebrate Michael Riley\u2019s contributions to the community.<\/p>\n Riley is the founder of the rock and soul band The BoogieMen<\/a> and performed for 36 years before retiring. The band has performed in 186 charity events in the local region, including the previous Harpoon Harry\u2019s<\/a> location at Fishermen\u2019s Village<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He also served on the boards for YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County. He\u2019s currently a liaison for the Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n Riley was the vice president of the 1996-97 class of Leadership Charlotte<\/a> with the Chamber of Commerce. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions to the community.<\/p>\n Riley has kidney cancer that extended into his lungs<\/a>, but remains active.<\/p>\n The Life of Riley fundraiser will raise money for the Back Pack Kidz<\/a>, a nonprofit that focuses on feeding hungry children in the state.<\/p>\n Nannette Leonard, a public relations firm owner, said the event is to celebrate how Riley has given back to the community.<\/p>\n \u201cHe touches everybody with his kindness, and he\u2019s an exceptional man,\u201d Leonard said. \u201cYou can\u2019t reduce his life to a paragraph.\u201d<\/p>\n Leonard said the event is a big summer party, not a gala. The fundraiser will include a silent auction, catering by Leroy\u2019s Southern Kitchen & Bar<\/a>, music and a family-led roast of Riley.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have been touched by Mike Riley, it\u2019s going to be a great event to pay tribute to this extraordinary guy,\u201d Leonard said.<\/p>\n General admission costs $132. The event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 7 at 24411 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte.<\/p>\n