EUNICE, La. (KLFY) — Ray’s Bakery, a staple in city of Eunice, left many in shock when it burned down in March just before Mardi Gras. As owner Steven Oncale was looking through the damage, he provided a promise the bakery would return.

Oncale told News 10 back in March, “It is what it is. I mean, it’s been here since 1969. I guess things happen. We’re going to be back soon, sorry for the inconvenience, but I’ll try.”

But as the journey to rebuild begins, it left 11 employees out of work and in need of financial support. This is where Joey Trichell stepped in, organizing a benefit in the form of a burger sale with all the proceeds going to the employees at Ray’s Bakery. The efforts brought together residents and businesses in the area to support the cause.

“Volunteers did a bake sale at the same time, sold some t-shirts,” said Trichell. “So, not only did the burger sale drive it, but there were other things that were contributing to raising the funds even higher.”

With an entire community showing up to support their own, Trichell says they were able to exceed their goal of selling 1,500 burgers and ensure that Ray’s employees can at least get back on their feet.

“We actually raised almost $20,000,” explained Trichell. “It was $19,700 is what it what it peaked out at. And to calculate that into the Ray’s payroll, it gave them about a five-week duration of average paychecks that they’ll be able to collect.”

There was also a donations account set up at a local bank that helped show the strength and heart of a small town.

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