R2D2 beeps for St. Jude's Children's Hospital

By LIAM DONOVAN
Stanhope — Star Wars’ iconic beeping robot made an appearance at Lynne’s Nissan West on Route 206 last Saturday afternoon to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and to promote Nissan’s limited-edition Star Wars-themed Rogue automobile.
The life-size R2D2 replica can move, beep, blink lights, and operate its robotic arms. This R2D2 has appeared with Star Wars: The Force Awakens co-stars John Boyega (Finn) and Daisy Riddly (Rey) on TV shows such as Good Morning America and Good Day New York. R2D2 is also signed by original Star Wars actors Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca).
The robot appeared with its creator, James Marsilia, to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, based in Memphis, TN and to promote Nissan’s limited-edition Star Wars edition Rogue car, of which there are only 5,000 in existence. Marsilia worked the robot by remote control while the children played and interacted with it.
“Any event for St. Jude’s is a success. It’s all about helping the kids! The kids love R2 and when the parents see him, they turn into kids; after all it’s their childhood hero,” Marsilia said..”Thanks to Lynne’s Nissan for opening up their showroom for R2, and to those who donated. The Force is strong in them!”
The R2D2 showing coincides with the recent release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, a new Star Wars film out in theaters.
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on treating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and making these treatments accessible to families at all income levels.