A UA employee will be getting a little taste of Hollywood this weekend when she travels to meet Antonio Banderas after winning a television contest.
Olivia Hanson, a mining and engineering administrative associate, entered a contest through KGUN 9’s “”Good Morning Tucson”” about three months ago, where she was instructed to e-mail the “”word of the day”” after watching Jim Ferguson’s movie review.
Hanson won the contest and received a copy of “”Toy Story 2″” on DVD, but her name was also entered into a pool for the grand prize to meet Antonio Banderas.
“”I had completely forgotten (about the contest),”” Hanson said.
Two weeks ago she received a phone call congratulating her for winning the grand prize.
“”I said, ‘Are you sure it’s me?'”” Hanson said. “”This is the first thing I’ve ever won. I’ve never even won the lottery.””
Hanson was told she could bring a guest and decided to bring her 17-year-old daughter, who is “”thrilled to go.””
Hanson was given her first sample of stardom Wednesday night when she met Jim Ferguson at the premier of “”Take the Lead,”” the latest film starring Banderas.
Hanson will be accompanying Ferguson when he interviews Banderas on Sunday and hopes her daughter will be by her side.
“”I was told it depends on the celebrity,”” Hanson said. “”Sometimes they don’t want anyone (present) and sometimes only the winner.””
Hanson doesn’t know exactly what she will say when she meets Banderas, but she knows how she will say it.
“”I would definitely tell him in Spanish,”” Hanson said. “”I think that’s a good way to let him know I’m honored to meet him.””
Although she admits to not being a Banderas fanatic, Hanson said she has always liked his movies.
“”I’m not a big, big fan,”” Hanson said. “”But I probably will be, especially after seeing the movie last night.””
Hanson also plans to bring a shirt and hat from the student chapter of the Society of Mining Engineers to give to both Banderas and Ferguson.
“”(The shirts) show what I represent here on the university,”” Hanson said.
This will be a first-time visit to Hollywood for both Hanson and her daughter.
“”I can’t wait to get there,”” Hanson said. “”I’d like to go to the walk of fame.””