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Tops chefs from across the region will be descending on Islip to raise money for laid-off workers at Crescent Duck Farm, which was devastated by a bird flu outbreak last month in Aquebogue.
Crescent Duck Farm was founded in 1908, when Henry Corwin purchased 30 ducks to raise on land that had been in the family since it was first settled around 1640.
But it’s future is very much in doubt after the owners were forced to euthanize its entire flock, nearly 100,000 birds, though some eggs were salvaged.
In what’s being described as a “powerful show of culinary community spirit,” local restaurants are hoping to help save the farm, by helping its workers.
The fundraising event is set for Friday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tellers Next Door in downtown Islip.
“For years, Crescent has supplied some of the best local ingredients to our restaurants,” says chef Francis Derby of Shands General in Patchogue, one of the event’s organizers. “Now, it’s our turn to give back and help support their workers; eventually bring them back to life.”
The night will feature chef-led food stations, local cocktails and wines, an auction, and donation opportunities – all with proceeds dedicated going directly to the displaced workers at the last remaining commercial duck farm on Long Island.
Nearly 50 members of the farm’s workforce were laid off.
Click here to secure tickets.
Without urgent financial support, the livelihoods connected to the farm remain uncertain, the announcement reads.
“This isn’t just about our farm; it’s about preserving the hardworking farmers behind what we’ve built here in Aquebogue,” said Doug Corwin, the farm’s owner. “We are entirely overwhelmed by the support from our community and these incredible chefs.”
Meet the chefs
- Francis Derby – Shands General
- Ben Hoffman – Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar
- Christian Mir – Stone Creek Inn
- Steve Gallagher – The Trattoria
- Armond Joseph – Léon 1909
- Ryan Hardy – Delicious Hospitality Group
- Steve Rizzo – Off the Block Meats
- Berenice de Araujo – North Fork Table & Inn (John Fraser Restaurants)
- Keenan Boyle – Tall Mutha Shucka
- Drinks donated by: Montauk Brewing Co, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, The Better Man Distilling Co
“Hosting these incredible chefs at Tellers Next Door to support those in need from an industry that helps define the Long Island culinary experience is both a privilege and an honor,” said Michael Bohlsen, who owns and operates Tellers: An American Chophouse, part of the Bohlsen Restaurant Group family of brands, along with his brother, Kurt, who added, “We say this all the time, but it’s especially true here: We get in this business and have visions of what we want to do, and, the best
thing we can do is all work together to give back as much as we can.”
Can’t attend? Click here to support the cause with a monetary donation.
