The R.I.S.E. (Revitalize, Invest, Succeed & Encourage) Up Foundation, a 501(c)3, was filed by Wayne and Amber Jett in 2019 for the purpose of providing funding for projects specifically focused on enhancing the quality of life for children and their families in McHenry, Illinois. Examples include the installation of splash pads or other desired park improvements. Through their extensive community outreach and involvement, Wayne and Amber have identified that an organization like R.I.S.E. Up could serve as the conduit to make possible projects that may not otherwise be possible by linking the public and private sectors in a common vision for the benefit of the McHenry community.

The R.I.S.E. Up Foundation is being organized exclusively for charitable, education, religious or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically to fund projects for children and their families as needed in McHenry, Illinois.

Focus for 2022

The McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes retail incubator project will provide physical retail space experience to businesses ready to take on the challenge of operating a brick-and-mortar location.  Selected businesses will have the opportunity to test their product in the McHenry market for a season while learning the ins and outs of operating a retail storefront.

We recognize that most startup retailers need a low cost of entry, a smaller space, and high visibility with steady foot traffic.  The plan is to build an idyllic “village” of 12’ x 12’ and 12’ x 16’ tiny shops that have a nominal cost to rent for a season (April through October).  Entertainment and community activities on Miller Point, the adjacent city park, will work in concert with the shops to make the area a destination location. Located next to the Riverwalk on Boone Creek, the shops will also serve as a link to the retail that already exists in our downtown areas in either direction.

We feel not only is this a great way to add temporary retail at an affordable price, but vendors will have the opportunity to open their own business and determine if it is the right fit for them without investing a significant amount of capital. One of the requirements of the business owners will be to participate in multiple workshops that will help them grow their business and prepare them for “what’s next”.  Supported by the McHenry Area Chamber, the City of McHenry, and other shop owners, these businesses are in a strong position to succeed.

The ultimate goal of these shops is to activate retail in downtown McHenry.  The Riverwalk Shoppes will add vibrancy to our downtown experience. Currently, we have a healthy dining district.  Most of the other storefronts are service businesses, such as insurance agents, salons, and financial planners.  Unfortunately, we have a limited number of retail stores on Green Street, Main Street, and Riverside Drive, our three downtown areas.  By providing a larger selection of retail, our downtown will become a magnet for customers who are willing to make the trip to a shopping destination location.

These new shops will have power and HVAC, creating a unique marketplace that can be open most of the year.  After the main season, the shops can be transformed into a Christkindlmarket for November and December and even host pop-ups during our St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Shamrocks the Fox.  Community activities like free concerts and ice skating will attract shoppers.  Adding public restrooms and an area for concessions will help to keep them there.

We are modeling our shops after the Batavia Boardwalk Shops in Batavia, Illinois.  Their developers and managers have been a tremendous resource to us in our initial planning stage.  One of the most exciting pieces of data they had was that 7 of their 8 incubator shops graduated to brick-and-mortar stores in Batavia after the first year of their project.  Our McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes would provide a much-needed economic development boost and a viable tourism attraction.

Our Riverwalk Shoppes initiative has the support of the community.  We have already garnered a pledge of funds from the RISE Up Foundation for the McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes through their 2022 festival ticket and beer sales.  We have several businesses who have offered free products or services for this project.  In addition, students in McHenry District 156 High School building trades and business programs will help local professionals with construction, graphic design and production for signs, marketing, and more.

Our Team

President – Wayne Jett

Vice President – Amber Jett

Secretary – Sandi Dominie

Committee Members

Mary Margaret Maule, Sr, – VP Exemplar Accounting and Tax

Adam Ruiz – Licensed Electrician 

Tim Santos – Owner and Licensed Insurance Agent, HealthMarkets Insurance – Santos Agency

Christine Ditzler – Business Development Manager of Restoration 1 of Cary Illinois 

Ben Keefe – Senior Vice Commander of The McHenry VFW #4600

Jeff Kleinschmidt – President of Big Bang Festivals

Wayne Jett – Business Owner and President of Rise Up Foundation 

Dawn Bremer – Business owner, District 156 school board vice president, Commissioner of McHenry EDC, board president of KIN of McHenry county