Peter Facinelli stopped by the Quaker Bridge Mall in New Jersey to help out with their blood drive:
LAWRENCE — Waves of deafening cheers and applause followed Dr. Carlisle Cullen as he made his way through Quaker Bridge Mall on Saturday. The vampire, also known as actor Peter Facinelli of the popular “Twilight” movies, was outfitted in his civilian clothing, of course. He had just arrived from Vancouver, British Columbia, where crews are shooting “Breaking Dawn,” the next film in the blockbuster series. Facinelli visited the area to raise awareness and garner support for two organizations advocating distinct causes: Alex’s Lemonade Stand for Childhood Cancer and the Community Blood Council-NJ for emergency blood supplies.“I’m trying to use my fan base to (support) some good causes,” said Facinelli. He said he enjoys participating in mall appearances both to give back to his fans and to help with causes he is passionate about.“We’ve sucked a lot of blood out of a lot of people,” he said about his appearances, which he said have raised more than $100,000. “That feels great, and that’s part of the reason why I do it.”Fans stopped by the mall to take photos with Facinelli, get his autograph and meet the actor from the film series that has captivated men and women of all ages. A portion of the proceeds will be contributed to Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Simultaneously, the Community Blood Council hosted a blood drive at the mall, which drew 74 units for emergency supplies. Mary Moore, recruitment account manager for the blood council, said it was an “incredible” turnout for such an event.“There are not a lot of actors or actresses from films who come down here,” said Saul Martinez, 25, of Hamilton. “At least he’s coming down here for a good cause.” Cathy Chiccino, 60, traveled from Pennsylvania to meet Facinelli, arriving at the mall around 5 a.m. “I’ve been a fan before all the hype,” she said just moments after receiving a kiss on the cheek from the actor. Meanwhile, Aransa Huq, 12, was waiting in line to meet Facinelli.“I like ‘Twilight’ and I thought (the event) would be really interactive,” she said. “I just want to meet him.”And meet him she did. The same was true for countless other fans who came out during the five-hour-plus signing event in the center of the shopping mall. Organizers said early in the day they were expecting more than 1,500 guests. Some lucky fans who won a contest in Facebook prior to the event had an opportunity to meet Facinelli privately before the event began. One of them was Ryan Larkin, 16, who could barely contain her excitement in the moments before the actor arrived at the area set aside for the VIP group.“There’s an irony in a vampire asking for your blood,” he said. “I always think it’s a good fit.”
She was carrying her copy of “Breaking Dawn,” her favorite book in the series, for him to sign. Facinelli openly acknowledged the connection between his role in the film series and his support of the blood council.
