This weeks feature is about a couple in Florida who CAUSEplays together! From conversations I have had between it being only two people of the Superhero Smile Initiative they keep pretty busy. Especially around the holiday season. They were kind enough to take some time out of their busy lives to be featured in this weeks blog! Please enjoy this feature of the Heroes Behind the Masks-Mala
Name: Samantha and Steve Lustinia AKA Superhero Smiles Initiative
Location: Central Florida
What got you into CAUSEplaying?
We wanted to give back to our community in a way that brought smiles.
What keeps you CAUSEplaying?
The joy and smiles we see.
What was your first CAUSEplay event?
A Christmas party at the Howard Phillips Center for Families
What is your favorite costume to wear while CAUSEplaying, and Why?
Samantha- Wonder Woman-because she is a strong female role model.
Steve- Captain America- because he is an iconic good guy male role model.
Most memorable CAUSEplay moment:
Samantha- recently having a cancer patient spend nearly her entire evening with me.
Steve- a young special needs boy spent an afternoon with Captain America, looking for bad guys.
What is your favorite cause to support? Childhood Cancer
The silliest/strangest thing you have done for a cause? Danced with the kids in full costume.
Who inspires you? Lynda Carter
Advice for CAUSEplaying: Get the word out there that you do this as a gift, no fees involved.
Some people are under the mistaken belief that you will charge them for an appearance.
What CAUSEplay events do you have coming up? We just finished the holiday season, which was non-stop for 3 months straight. We are currently taking a break until spring. We will have a children’s homelessness event in March.
Do you prefer to be called a cosplayer or costumer? Either- it doesn’t define who we are as people
What was your first costume/cosplay? Wonder Woman and Captain America
What is your day job (a.k.a. how I pay for my expensive hobby)?
Samantha- I work for a not for profit medical clinic
Steve- Product Specialist at Lowe’s
If you could have any job what would it be and why?
Samantha- working with kids. I love to see them learning.
Tell us something random about yourself:
Samantha- I love to crochet!
Steve- I am an art graduate
Star Wars or Star Trek: Star Wars
Marvel or DC: Marvel
Favorite Comic Series:
Samantha – Wonder Woman and Justice League.
Steve- Currently Guardians of the Galaxy
Favorite Comic Character: Wonder Woman and Captain America
Favorite Book: too many to list
Favorite Video Game: We play old school Dreamcast games
Favorite Convention: Used to be Megacon but its gotten out of hand. We really enjoy the charity work more.
Facebook: Superhero Smiles Initiative
Twitter: superherosmiles
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Let me know how you are getting involved! I want to hear your stories!! And adventures!! Or tell me about a CAUSEplayer or a group you think are making a difference! Email AdventuresWithMala@gmail.com with your stories!
