By all accounts Peter Facinelli was a smash hit where upwards of 1,000 people turned out to get an autograph and photo (with part of the proceeds going to charity).

According to the Southwest Riverside News:

“Thousands of Southwest Riverside Twi-hards braved sheets of rain and crowded into the plaza for a glimpse of Facinelli. All waited patiently in lines that stretched in a seemingly endless queue throughout the mall.

The event was part of an effort to raise funds for UNICEF with a portion of the proceeds going towards helping the Haiti earthquake victims. At $25 for autographs and $40 for a photo, it is expected that a considerable sum will be raised to benefit the Haiti relief efforts.”

According to the Press Enterprise (they also have video coverage if you click the link):

“A queue of more than 2,000 people stretched from the platform, where Facinelli awaited flushed-faced teens, past several storefronts.

Some people waited for upwards of five hours with “Twilight” books, posters and T-shirts in hand for a chance to get their keepsakes signed, as well as a chance to hug, shake hands — and get a kiss on the cheek from Facinelli.

“I’m never washing my face again,” a hyperventilating Lynzie Maloney shrieked as she bounded from the mall with her best friend Rachel Barraza, who was also close to tears.

“This is the best day of my life,” screamed Rachel, whose hands were shaking with excitement.”

And what did Peter have to say about all of this?

He turned his IPhone around to film the crowd and Tweeted it! Then he told the press, “You never get used to it, I’m surprised every time I show up,” he said. “It makes you feel that you have done something right, and it’s great to see so many people come out and support a great cause.

“The crowd here has been awesome.”