More than $32,000 raised for family of Chido Cantina owner Blake Rogers
A devoted husband and father, the well-known Lennox Head businessman is being remembered for his generosity, his smile and the warmth he showed others.
The Ballina and Lennox Head community has been left heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of Blake Rogers.
Blake, 56, was a loving husband to Cilla and a proud father to Xanthe, Zane and Ashlee.
Known across the Northern Rivers, Blake ran the Mexican Restuarant, Chido Cantina in Lennox Head with his wife, Cilla.
Both grew up locally and had put their energy into the family-owned restaurant since 2023.
Blake’s smile was familiar at Chido, where he made people feel welcome and valued.
The appeal remembers a generous and kind man who gave much of himself to the people around him.
His death has left his family grieving while also facing decisions about the business they built together.
Chido Cantina has closed for now, giving the grieving family time to be together and consider its future.
However financial commitments associated with the restaurant continue, and the fundraiser has been created to help ease that pressure.
By Wednesday $32,390 had been raised towards a $55,000 goal.
The appeal asks people to keep Blake’s family, friends and the Chido Cantina team in their thoughts.
Those who wish to help can donate or share the fundraiser with others who knew him.
If this story raised feelings of distress, help is available.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Peer CARE Companion Warmline: 1800 77 7337 – Roses in the Ocean’s 48 hour call-back service for people with lived experience of suicide
1800 RESPECT: 1800 732 732 – support for people experiencing or at risk of violence and abuse
13 YARN: 13 92 76 – support for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples
QLife: 1800 184 527 – support for the LGBTQIA+ community