Photos: Greenport Opens Hearts for Beloved Chef Battling Cancer

(See photo gallery below)

GREENPORT, NY - It was an old-fashioned potluck featuring delicious fare from some of the North Fork's top chefs, all coming together to help a friend battling cancer.

Carrying trays of food and offering warm hugs, business owners and Greenport restauranteurs turned out at Salamander's on Front Street in Greenport Monday night to help Chef Frank Moeller, who has daunting expenses due his illness.

And when one of their own is struggling, the Greenport community turns out in force to show love and support.

A GoFundMe page, "Friends for Frankie," which has raised $3,400 of its $5,000 goal, was created by Mary Anne Thompson to help "Chef Frankie".

"Frank really needs your help," she said.

The benefit was organized to raise funding for Moeller, Thompson said. "It's been a rough year of medical bills and any help would be so, so appreciated."

Guests were asked to bring a dish, or "just bring yourself, your good will and energy," she said.

"If you can't make it to Salamander's . . . we would so appreciate any donation, no matter how small. And always keep the good energy coming," Thompson wrote.

Checks and cash were collected at the event, donations can also be made to the GoFundMe by clicking here.

Moeller, greeting friends and colleagues in heartfelt embraces, was visibly moved by the outpouring of love.