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Community Rallies For Beloved Philly Restaurant Server

Guests at Booker's Restaurant and Bar in Philadelphia's Cedar Park neighborhood are on a first-name basis with Gerald Willis-Dean. 

The Philly community is rallying to assist beloved restaurant server Gerald Willis-Dean.

The Philly community is rallying to assist beloved restaurant server Gerald Willis-Dean.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of GoFundMe "Let’s Help Gerald!"

The beloved restaurant server has been a part of the Booker's team for three years, and is known to regulars for his lively demeanor and infectious passion. 

But on Saturday, Oct. 8, Gerald was on his way to work when he was in a serious car crash on Baltimore Avenue, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up by his Booker's coworkers and friends. 

"The accident sent him to the ICU with a bleeding brain, fractured face and multiple cuts and bruises," wrote a colleague. "He is currently in the ICU until the bleeding on his brain subsides."

He's in for a pleasant surprise when he recovers — the fund has raised more than $4,000 in just three days. 

Organizers said the money will help keep Gerald afloat while he's out of work.  Until then, the Booker's crew is looking forward to his return. 

"Gerald is the type of server that even if he is not your server you still tune in to hear him call out the specials in the way that only he can," coworkers wrote. "The mark that he leaves on customers is long-lasting and his name rings out often with requests for his service."

According to the page, Gerald worked his way up from food runner to top server and salesman in his three-year stint at the eatery. 

To support Gerald in his recovery, visit his GoFundMe campaign page

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