I have know the Rice family at Riverside Bake Shop for over 30 years. As a family friend I am setting this up to help the Rice family. All the funds will go directly to their bank account. Carol and Bernie Rice and their sons have been the heart and soul behind The Riverside Bake Shop in McHenry for 55 years. Their bakery has been a place where families gather, friends meet, and the community comes together over fresh pastries and warm smiles. The Rice family’s dedication, kindness, and hard work have made them a beloved fixture in McHenry, always ready to lend a hand or share a kind word with anyone who walks through their doors.

On Sunday, January 18th, an accidental fire broke out in the early afternoon, resulting in a total loss of the bakery. The news has left the Rice family and the entire community heartbroken. The bakery was not just a business—it was a second home for the family and a cherished part of so many people’s lives. The loss has deeply impacted Carol, Bernie, their sons, and the employees who have worked alongside them for years.

We are coming together to support the Rice family as they face the enormous challenge. The funds raised will help them begin the process of restoring The Riverside Bake Shop building, cover lost income during this difficult time, and provide support to their dedicated employees, some of whom have been with them for more than 30 years. The Rice family has always been there for the community, and now it’s our turn to be there for them. Any support you can give—whether it’s a donation or sharing this fundraiser—will make a meaningful difference as they work to rebuild and bring back the bakery we all love.