Last night, I had a lovely dinner with a few friends. There were six of us in all – two friends that I often attend shows with, the other three comprised of two girls and a guy, people I’d often see at shows. We had never been formally introduced but would usually give that “Hey, I know you” nod whenever we’d see each other at shows.
Having finished our meals, we were enjoying a lively conversation. The topic turned to one of the gals in attendance, Alyse, who had recently married. Always curious as to how people meet their mates, I asked, “How did you meet your husband?” She chuckled, looked rather coyly and hesitated to answer. Thinking, “Ohhh, she probably met him on the internet and is embarrassed to say”, instead, her friend, Eddie, responds by pretending to hold a light saber in his hands and making a light saber noise. “That should give you a clue”, he says. “Huh? Star Wars?” She laughs again…”Ok, let me explain.”
She went on to tell us how she met her husband in 1999 at one of the original Star Wars fan line-ups at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre for “Episode 1: Phantom Menace”. I’m thinking…”Ohhh no! Not one of THOSE people!” I mean, c’mon…even Triumph makes fun of these people, right? Poor thing, she probably thought me a genuine asshole for the look on my face. But, I was curious and listening with interest.
She had originally gone to meet an Australian internet-mate who had flown into LA to stand in line. “He was hot in his photo, I had to go check him out!” She met him (wasn’t so hot after all), hung out, met a few people, promised she’d return in a few days with cookies. She returned with cookies in hand, met more people…and kept returning every couple of days. History was now in motion. On one of those visits, she met a Canadian boy – the flirtation process was now in place. Over the weeks, she became smitten with her new honey. Not only was she hooked on a new boy; she had become a Star Wars fan.
At this point, you’re thinking…”So fuckin’ what? I dig on Star Wars too. Though, I probably wouldn’t stand in line for weeks just to see a goddamn movie!” Well, what I didn’t know (and what you probably don’t either) was the OTHER reason why these people stand in line. It’s for charity, the Starlight Foundation to be exact. “Dude? Are you serious? How much money have you raised?” At the last SW film, they raised $70,000. (Nice!) This year, they’re hoping to raise $20,000 and have three weeks to go ‘til the premiere. My interest was really piqued now!
Alyse and friends have spent the better part of the year organizing this year’s line. Web cam hook-ups. Arrangements made with the LAPD. Public phone booths being utilized as call-in centers. Many meetings with the theatre folks (some of you are aware that this year’s SW film will NOT be shown at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre – a very sore spot with the group – they’re determined to stay where they are). It’s become a rough-yet-somewhat sophisticated system. People began arriving from all over the world six weeks ahead of the premiere date. Media (CNN, news agencies from all over the world, talk shows, newspapers, etc) have been contacting them. Netflix sent Bai Ling a couple of days ago with breakfast for everyone in line along with portable DVD players and movies for those in line. And they’ve promised to make a minimum of a $10,000 donation ($25,000 if they can find a name star to present the check to the group). Netflix has also promised to donate $20 for every new membership to the Starlight Foundation just by adding their logo and link to their website.
I’m tellin’ ya, new respect began to form – these “geeks” have downright impressed me. And, yeah, you ARE gonna find that odd lot who love to dress in character, but, from what I understand, they’re the minority. Still…I doubt that I’d ever give up my vacation to stand in line for weeks at a time or put my career/education on hold for a movie. These SW fans have formed friendships over the years and developed a deep sense of unity. And, you've gotta admire the mere fact that they’re genuine about their desire to provide to a wonderful charity. If you’re interested in donating to their cause or just to check out their site, you can find them here
here.
