Michael Riley Car Show Fundraiser & First Responders Day 10.8.2022
Updated: Oct 4, 2022
Car Show Fundraiser & First Responders Day October 8, 2022 (10am-2pm) to benefit Michael Riley, Retired Disabled Firefighter, who was critically injured responding to a Gas Station explosion in 2011. Michael is now suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s, encephalopathy, and most recently Parkinsonism's as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals from the fire and is now in palliative care. Additionally we will be honoring all First Responders in our community for the dedicated support they provide to all of us.
Date: 10.8.2022
Time: 10am-2pm
Location:
Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine
4730 Dixie Hwy (US 1 South)
St Augustine, FL
Details: Car Show Fundraiser benefiting Michael Riley (Retired Disabled St. Augustine Firefighter). We will also be honoring our First Responders for all the do for our community.
A day full of fun for the whole family. Along with the Car Show we'll also have Touch-The-Truck activities as well as other First Responder Displays. Food Trucks, Raffles, Vendors & lots more!
Admission:
Outdoor Car Show is FREE to Spectators with general admission $12 + tax to visit museum. Kids 12 and under receive Free Admission to museum.
First Responders and their immediate families will receive FREE Admission to the Museum all day.
Car Show Participants Registration: All proceeds from this event go towards Michael Riley's care.
~We are asking for $20 Donation to participate in the Car Show.
~Registration is day of event (Oct. 8, 2022) at 8am
To Contribute please contact Sidney Hobbs, Owner of Classic Car Museum of St. Aug: 904.806.4625 / ccmstaug@gmail.com and see SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES HERE.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Bozard Ford - Title Sponsor
Wholly Vodka
Roy and Marilyn Wires
Kane Robbins
Phil Krivacek
John Tathum
Please read more of Michael's story below...We want this to be the BIGGEST EVENT of the Year!
Michael Riley is a retired, disabled St. Augustine Firefighter. In 2011, he and his First Responder teammates responded to a Gas Station explosion in St Augustine on State Rd 16. Little did he know that night would sadly end his career as a Fireman and change he and his family’s life forever. The next several years were a very trying time for Michael and his family as they searched for answers as to why Michael’s health continued to decline. In 2017 after many appointments with doctors and specialist Michael was finally diagnosed with severe personal Health issues including Encephalopathy, Parkinson’s, and mostly recently early onset Alzheimer’s disease. He is confined to a wheelchair and struggles every day to survive. He has been in and out of hospice several times in the recent year and continues to fight his challenges just like he fought fires, with everything he has.
This situation has not only affected and changed HIS life, but his family’s life as well. Michael’s wife Lani was thrust into becoming his full-time caregiver, and his two teenage sons also became caregivers. His son Sean basically gave up his personal and educational aspirations, got his CNA license, and now is basically full-time caregiver for his Dad. Currently Michael is very fragile. Lani and Sean care for Michael at home around the clock.
It cannot be overstated the challenges this wonderful man and his family have been dealt. However as long as I have known them, they have handled it with grace, gratitude, thankfulness, and a devotion to their Husband/Father that would make anyone proud. Every week seems to bring additional challenges to the family, including the financial hardship that this devasting situation has caused them.
I met the family during COVID when they asked if they could bring Michael to the Museum to walk around after hours for exercise because the Malls were closed due to COVID. Of course, I agreed, and I have grown to love and respect this family and help where we could. Sean is an amazing young man and handles a lot of our Drone photography, YOUTUBE, and social media promotions for the museum. It’s time you get to know this family and be able to help them get through this difficult time. It's important to note that they did not ask me for help. They did not suggest a fundraiser. But it’s the right thing to do and the right time to do it. Out of all the fundraising we have done in the two years existence of the Museum, I can’t remember a situation where help was needed more than for this family right now. They need your prayers, your love, your support, and your generous donations.
I want to thank you in advance for your contribution whether it be time, financial, awareness, or whatever your heart leads you to contribute. I can guarantee you that 100% of what you donate will go directly to this family. The Museum is funding all expenses required to put on this fundraiser and we plan to make it the largest ever held. Again, thank you in advance.
Sidney Hobbs, Owner Classic Car Museum of St Augustine