"My Experiance Getting Touched By A Star"

By guest contributor Andrea -aka azure_wings

Celebrities and charities are alike in the fact that they inevitably touch the lives of others. And when they unite together for a common good, the result is often uplifting and amazing. The 2007 Touched By A Star event was hosted in Sterling Heights, Michigan on March 24, and I had the great pleasure of attending.

Benefiting the Desi Geestman Foundation to help children and their families battling cancer, attendees were able to dine and mingle with some of day-time television’s top stars, from “General Hospital” and “One Life To Live”.

This being my first soap event, I hardly consider myself a die-hard soaper- I stand on the side-lines, not on my soapbox. But I will not lie- I went to the event with an agenda- meet Bradford Anderson! Since his debut on “General Hospital” as the quirky computer hacker Spinelli, aka ‘The Jackal‘, he’s quickly won the hearts and laughter of many viewers, mine included. So I was curious to see what Bradford was like in person.

From briefly meeting him and what I observed, I can sum the talented young actor up in one word- charismatic. I was really impressed, he was one of the first out on the dance floor and didn’t hesitate to dance with the fans, wowing us all with his ‘killer moves.’ You could tell he’s probably the life of the party wherever he goes.

One of the ladies at our table, knowing I was dying to meet him, pushed me into him in an attempt to be ‘helpful’. I was mortified and quickly apologized, but at the same time my inner fan girl was squealing. I am convinced that Bradford Anderson has super powers- why else would I, a typically intelligent person, suddenly turn into a stammering idiot?

When I did get the courage to ask for a picture with him, he was great about it, putting his arm around my shoulder. I’m proud of myself, I didn’t faint…I did, however, seem to lose the ability to say anything coherent beyond, “I love you, I really love you.” *sigh* But it gets better, folks!

On the way out, my friends and I purchased keepsake mugs, and who happened to walk by? Gold star if you guessed Bradford. The lady who sold us the mugs told him we wanted them autographed, and I held my breath as he signed his name on it with a flourish.

Then thinking I should say something, I said, “I feel like your stalker, I’m sorry I keep catching you like this.”

Either he figured I was rambling, or not very threatening, because he graciously ignored my lame fumble at the word ‘stalker’ and replied good-naturedly, “No problem, I don’t mind being caught.”

It was an amazing evening I will never forget. All the stars seemed so down-to-earth to me, and gracious with each of their fans. If I had it to do over though, I would have attempted to let Bradford Anderson know what a wonderful job he’s doing on GH, and to thank him for becoming a bright spot on the soap. I would wish him all the best in his career and future- and maybe, just maybe- I would’ve gotten up the nerve to ask him to dance.

Did I mention he has killer moves?