On October 25, Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. appeared as a guest judge for the annual World Cares Center (WCC) fundraiser. Now in its tenth year, the event’s theme, “The Iron Skillet Cook Off”, featured winners from previous years, including members of the FDNY and top chefs from around the city. Vallone joined a panel of judges including William Beatty of the N.Y. Giants, Sukanya Krishnan from the CW11 Morning Show, Freeman McNeil formerly of the N.Y. Jets, Thomas Huff formerly of the Washington Redskins, Diana Falzone of Military.com. More than 400 guests gathered at Crimson restaurant in Manhattan’s Flatiron district where the event was held. This year’s first prize went to Engine 63 from The Bronx for their glazed duck dish. The company’s display table also featured a large Engine 63 ice sculpture. WCC was founded in 2001 by citizens who helped in the relief effort following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. WCC’s initial project, September Space, ran from 2001 through 2007. WCC’s current programs focus on response and preparedness training and helping to coordinate relief efforts. The Iron Skillet Cook Off started in 2002 as a means of saying thank you to all rescue workers and volunteers who participated in the Sept. 11 relief effort. Seen here are (L. to r.); Vallone Jr., Krishnan, Valarie Smaldone, Engine 63 winners, WCC founder Lisa Orloff, Huff, Falzone and Beatty.