IMG_5558.jpeg551.31 KB Hello, My name is Aaron Putnam. I was formerly a bartender at Peasant NYC for Chef Frank DeCarlo & am now a stand-up comedian.
Chef DeCarlo, a dear friend & beloved community member is experiencing extreme health challenges and is now in liver failure due to a childhood accident.
I’m hosting a benefit comedy show at New York Comedy Club 10/27/25, with Headliner Robert Kelly of The Bonfire Podcast and featuring Kerryn Feehan of Netflix’s Tires, along with myself.
A raffle to raise additional funds for Frank’s care is also being held leading up to and during the event, thanks to a number of generous donors from some of the finest restaurants NYC has to offer.
* Additional “prize” items are in the process of being added to the current list so keep checking back.
Show tickets available here: https://newyorkcomedyclub.com/events/a-benefit-for-frankie-2025-10-27200000
*Raffle tickets available for purchase even if entrant is unable to attend the actual event.
*Entrants do not have to be present at event in order to win.
About Chef Frank & Peasant NYC: When Peasant first opened its doors in 1999, Chef Frank DeCarlo had already poured his heart — and his hands — into building it. Alongside his partner in life and business, Dulcinea “Dulcy” Benson, they created more than just a restaurant. Peasant became a gathering place, serving the kind of rustic Italian food that reminded Frank of what really mattered — family, simplicity, and connection.
In 2020, after more than two decades of shaping one of New York’s most beloved neighborhood institutions, Frank and Dulcy retired. Their legacy lives on through Chef Marc Forgione, who has brought his own creativity and modern touch to Peasant while staying true to its roots. His vision honors the culture, craft, and spirit that Frank and Dulcy built from the ground up.
Frank was more than a chef — he was the kind of person who gave back without hesitation. Whether it was helping during 9/11, supporting friends in hard times, or feeding people like they were family, his generosity left an imprint that still fills the room today.
In that same spirit of giving, Peasant and other incredible restaurants are donating unforgettable dining experiences to support this cause. Visit [raffle event link or scan the QR code] for the full list of participating restaurants — including Le Bernardin, Jean-Georges, Frank Restaurant, and many more — all offering these wonderful meals for the small price of a raffle ticket.
The Prizes
Gift Certificate: ABC Kitchen NY ($400 Value)
Item: ABC Kitchen Gift Certificate
Value: $400
Donor: Jean George
GC Details/exclusions: Gratuity not included, some blackout dates including holidays apply Website: https://www.abckitchen.nyc/
About ABC Kitchen: A home decor store is hardly the place you'd expect to find a superlative dining experience, but ABC Kitchen (located within ABC Carpet & Home) delivers. This venture between the home decor giant and celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten paid off handsomely when it was voted "Best New Restaurant of 2011" by the James Beard Foundation. ABC Kitchen's delicious American fare is more than worthy of its already fantastic reputation. The restaurant's brunch, lunch, and dinner menus are full of well-crafted preparations that highlight the best in healthy, local, and organic ingredients. The restaurant strives to be green and sustainable in everything they do, right down to the bread baskets, which are hand-crafted by the Mapuche people of Peru. Helped handsomely by the store's stunning collection, the restaurant's interiors are extremely elegant and provide a comfortable space to enjoy your meal.
Gift Certificate: Dinner for 4 at Peasant Restaurant
Dine at the restaurant Chef DeCarlo poured his heart and soul into for more than 20 years!! Item: Peasant Restaurant Gift Certificate Description: 4 course Chef’s Shared Menu with wine pairings for 4 guests at Peasant restaurant. This tasting experience features Peasant classics and new favorites.
SIGNED Cookbook by Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernadin & Custom made Indoor/Outdoor decor
Item: SIGNED Cookbook by Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernadin & Custom made Indoor/Outdoor decor
Cookbook: On the Line- Value $35.00
Donor: LeBernadin
Website: https://www.le-bernardin.com/
On The Line Cookbook Image.jpeg61.12 KB Decor item: Holiday Decorative Wheelbarrow Value: $65 Donor: HMC (Heather Mae Crafts) on behalf of The Drop Comedy Club
Item: Gift Certificate to Le Veau d'Or Restaurant valued at $500
Name of restaurant: Le Veau d'Or Value: $500 Donor: Le Veau d'Or Any details or exclusions: Can be applied to any food and beverage consumed at Le Veau d'Or.
Item: 3 Private Yoga Sessions with Hilare Lockwood
yoga sessions image.jpeg149.56 KB With almost 40 years of experience, Hiliare Lockwood (E-RYT 500) is a master teacher and teacher trainer known for her depth, authenticity, and alignment-based practice. Founder and owner of Hilltop Yoga for 21 years, Hiliare is also a cancer survivor whoses jurney brings profound compassion and strength to every class she leads.
