Hundreds of people have opened their hearts and wallets to support the family of Blake Rogers following the well-known Lennox Head restaurateur’s sudden death this week.

An online fundraiser established to support Mr Rogers’ family and the future of Chido Cantina, the popular Lennox Head Mexican restaurant he ran with his wife Cilla, has attracted a remarkable response.

The fundraiser was established by Fabiana Vieira Severino on behalf of Blake’s daughter, Xanthe Rogers, and describes the community as “heartbroken” by his sudden and unexpected death.

“Blake was a devoted husband to Cilla, a deeply loving and incredibly proud father to his three children, Xanthe, Zane and Ashlee and a much loved member of the local community,” Ms Vieira Severino wrote.

Blake and Cilla were both born and raised in the Northern Rivers and had poured their “hearts, energy and love” into Chido Cantina since 2023.

Ms Vieira Severino said Chido had been created as a place for the community, with Blake at its heart.

“He was known for his incredible generosity, his kindness and, most of all, his smile,” she wrote.

“Blake had a genuine ability to make people feel welcome and valued.”

News of Mr Rogers’ disappearance spread rapidly across the Ballina community on Monday morning after an appeal for help to find him was widely circulated via a police SMS shortly after 8am.

It is understood Mr Rogers was found deceased soon afterwards.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Chido Cantina has since closed its doors while the family grieves and considers the future of the restaurant.

Ms Vieira Severino said the fundraiser was intended to give the family some breathing room and help meet ongoing financial commitments associated with the business.

“At a time when their world has been turned upside down, our hope is that the community can come together and give this family one less thing to carry,” she wrote.

She appealed to people who knew Blake, had enjoyed a meal at Chido Cantina or simply crossed paths with him over the years to consider helping.

“Thank you for showing Blake’s family the same kindness, generosity and community spirit that Blake showed to so many others.”

The appeal concludes with a simple tribute.

“Rest peacefully, Blake. You were deeply loved. You will be deeply missed.”

If this story raises issues for you, Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14. 

Donations to the GoFundMe appeal can be made via this link