By: centraljersey.com
The screams and squeals at the sight of a vampire on Saturday afternoon at the Quaker Bridge Mall were not those of fright, but delight and joy from hundreds of "Twilight" fans who were on hand for a meet and greet with actor Peter Facinelli.
Mr. Facinelli plays Dr. Carlisle Cullen, the 400-year-old patriarch of a family of vampires in the blockbuster movie franchise. The movies are based on a series of books by author Stephanie Meyer. The story tells the tale of a human girl and a vampire boy who fall in love and their journey through the trials and tribulations of teen romance.
The first "celebrity" of the day was Alex Pawson, of Hamilton, who waited outside the mall since 11 p.m. Friday to secure the first spot in line for his fiancee, Danery Maldonado, and her friend Kathy Orellana. He was being admired by the next several ladies in line, who arrived about 5 a.m., for his valor in waiting.
"They both love ‘Twilight,’" he said. "Anytime you get a chance to meet someone famous you like, you take it."
For his overnight effort, he was awarded two VIP meet and greet tickets. "That was a cool prize, I didn’t expect it at all."
A blood drive was held in conjunction with Mr. Facinelli’s appearance, and all adults in attendance were encouraged to give blood if they could. There was even an incentive – the possibility of winning a drawing to have a private dinner after the event with the actor.
Ms. Maldonado, 23, said she would be donating blood that afternoon.
"It’s something to do, it’s free and we should all do it," she said.
It might seem a bit odd to invite a vampire to a blood drive, but if it increases awareness of the critical blood shortage, the folks at the Community Blood Center of New Jersey in Ewing took their chances.
"I feel like that’s part of the reason why I do (these events). I play into that irony," said Mr. Facinelli. "A vampire wants your blood and we do raise some great awareness for the blood drive and people come out and sign up."
Seventy-four units of blood, which are about a pint each, were collected. Each unit can save up to three lives, said Anthony R. DeLuccio, spokesman for the Community Blood Council.
"With the severe need for blood in New Jersey, Peter Facinelli lending the Community Blood Council of New Jersey his star power has helped us raise awareness and increased donors for this drive," said Penny Moyer, director of donor services at the council.
She said the amount of blood collected Saturday was double that of a typical weekend mall drive.
"I’m trying to use my fan base to spread awareness for some good causes," said Mr. Facinelli. "The fans have been so kind and I love being able to give back to them and visiting with them and in the same sense raising awareness for different causes and letting them walk away with that awareness and letting that spread."
This love for his fans is not lost on the fans themselves.
"I think he’s a genuine Hollywood persona," said Maryann Robinson of Fredericksburg, Va., in the VIP meet and greet. "He’s sincere and you don’t find that very much. He’s like Jimmy Stewart was. It’s a good movie I’m not embarrassed to watch with my child."
Plainsboro residents Diana Rodriguez and her daughter Mariah were in the VIP meet and greet. Both have read all the books and seen all the movies and were thrilled to meet Mr. Facinelli.
"It was nice and he gives good hugs," said 20-year-old Mariah Rodriguez.
"It was so exciting just to touch him," added Diana Rodriguez.
"I’m freaking out. It’s my second time meeting him and I can’t get over it," said Hightstown resident Margaret Burton. "He’s so charismatic and he’s so sweet and the fact that he took time from filming ‘Breaking Dawn’ and ‘Nurse Jackie’ to come here is amazing."
Chandler Kirby, of Plainsboro, also likes all the work the actor has done, which includes a role on the cable television network Showtime’s "Nurse Jackie."
"It was awesome. He hugged me. Even though it went quickly it was worth waiting since 5 a.m."
Many others had long nights as well, coming long distances – some as far as Florida – for the all-day event. About 1,200 people were in attendance, according to mall personnel.
A group of Twilight Moms left their Pennsylvania homes at 3:30 a.m. to arrive at the mall at 5 a.m. and secure their spots second in line.
"He’s the father of the man we love," said Alma Smith, of Douglassville, Pa., referring the story’s lead character, Edward, who is the adopted son of Dr. Cullen. "He’s closer to our age."
This group is serious about following the family of vampires. Members have been to several events, and have traveled to Forks, Wash., where the fictional love story is set and Vancouver, where the movies are shot. Some of them are even going to attempt to go to the Los Angeles premiere of the newest installment in the franchise, "Breaking Dawn," when it is released this November.
One appealing aspect of these events for this particular Twilight Moms group is supporting Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a charity that raises money for a cure for childhood cancer.
"Alex’s Lemonade Stand is our charity, so we come to events to support it," said Cathy Chiccino of Philadelphia.
Mr. Facinelli also supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand and a portion of the proceeds from the appearance were going to the nonprofit. He has raised more than $100,000 for the nonprofit. Fans eagerly plunked down $25 for an autograph and a minimum of $40 for a photo to add to that amount.

