BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – After suffering injuries following a traffic incident in Bellingham, members of the community have stepped up to help out a familiar face of a downtown business.

On Dec. 24, Don Scarmuzzi was struck by a pickup truck while riding his scooter on Holly Street in downtown Bellingham. The accident left Scarmuzzi with a torn bicep and a broken leg. The injuries require him to go under extensive medical treatment, surgeries and months of physical therapy to recover.

To make matters worse for Scarmuzzi, the driver of the pickup truck who struck him was uninsured.

Scarmuzzi is known in the Bellingham community as a happy smile as customers enter the doors to Cheba Hut in downtown Bellingham. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in restaurants for many years, most recently as a bartender at Cheba Hut. Aside from his culinary background, Scarmuzzi is an avid hiker who has written a total of five comprehensive hiking books.

Scarmuzzi serving food at the 2024 Downtown Bellingham Partnership Scepter Awards. Photo by Sam Kristofferson

Cheba Hut recently announced the accident on their social media pages, noting a GoFundMe link to support Scarmuzzi’s medical treatment costs.

“Let’s show Don he’s not alone in this fight. Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and support during this difficult time,” said Shandy Love on the GoFundMe page.

Click here to find the GoFundMe link for Scarmuzzi.