Seven Bertoglio, owner of Bertoglio’s Pizza in Yelm, was seriously injured in a motorcycle collision on Aug. 25 and has undergone three surgeries at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
According to his wife, Cory, his most recent surgery was on Friday, Sept. 6, on his lower left tibia and fibula, which are both broken near the ankle joint. Bertoglio still has a long recovery ahead of him, she said.
To raise money for medical costs and bills, Bertoglio’s family has started a GoFundMe and are organizing a benefit event at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 at the Eatonville Eagles, 100 Weyerhaeuser Way N., Eatonville, where Seven first started his pizza shop.
The Hogue & Moore Band, who host weekly open mics at Bertoglio’s Pizza in Yelm every Wednesday, also dedicated their last couple of events to Bertoglio and even collected $395 from customers on Aug. 28 to send to him and his family.
Jalita Bertoglio, Seven Bertoglio’s daughter-in-law, said she and the Bertoglio family have been amazed by the community’s support over the past few weeks since Seven’s accident, especially while attending the first open mic three days after the crash.
“It’s a really big community. To actually see how many lives he’s touched is quite amazing. Everywhere we go, there’s someone who is willing to help or support,” Jalita Bertoglio said. “The energy [at the open mic] was really good. Everyone wanted updates and information as to how they could help.”
Cory Bertoglio has maintained operations at the pizza shop while also making the trip to Seattle to visit her husband, while her children and Jalita and her children have come in to help as well.
“I feel like I’m numb and on autopilot,” Cory said.
She added that Seven is overwhelmed by all of the support from the community since his accident.
“It’s made him feel really special, but at the same time, he feels so sad and sorry that he was in an accident and put us in this position. I told him that it wasn’t his fault and that it could have happened to anyone,” she said. “He’s just so proud of his business.”
The fundraiser on Sept. 22 will include several live bands, a silent auction, a raffle and a spaghetti feed.
Darrin Hogue, the guitarist for the Hogue & Moore Band, said Seven is a dear friend and riding brother who has treated him and his bandmates, Geoff Moore and Jason Johnson, like family.
“From day one, I knew Seven was a good guy. Geoff and I wanted to do all we could to help his business not fail with Farrelli’s Pizza going in just down the street from Bertoglio’s and [the business] being set back from COVID,” Hogue said. “Luckily, we built a good friendship of musicians that continue to come and support Seven’s business. Seven and his staff have always treated us like family. Everyone that comes to Bertoglio’s is greeted with open arms. It is a happy place for all.”
Moore, the singer of the band, thanked Seven Bertoglio for his friendship and for opening his doors to the band and other performers every Wednesday.
“Seven always greets you with a warm smile and a big hug. He treats everyone like family. He has given a lot of himself to our local communities,” Moore said. “Our large open-mic family would not be the same if we held it anywhere else but Bertoglio’s Pizza.”
Johnson, percussionist with the band, added that Seven has gone “above and beyond” to help the band and the customers to create a comfortable environment for all.
“Seven was just a scruffy-looking biker dude who owned a pizza place until the first time he shook my hand and said, ‘You guys sounded great.’ That’s when I knew we had a home for music,’” Johnson said. “Seven has gone out of his way to make sure his staff take care of his guests. I can’t wait for the benefit show when we can help take care of him.”
To learn more about the fundraising event, email Jalita Bertoglio at Jalitarenate@gmail.com. To donate to the GoFundMe, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/4qbuan-live-to-ride.
