Real Housewife Greets Fans, Supports Cause at The Galleria

Yes, she has flipped a table. Yes, she has a beef with her sister-in-law, Melissa. Yes, she and her brother, Joe, argued at his son’s christening, which turned into a major brawl—kicking off Season 3 on Bravo. But, she’s quite possibly the most down-to-earth housewife and now a best-selling author. (Read: “Skinny Italian” and “Fabulicious!”)

The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice joined Pittsburghers at The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon Sunday for the Knockout Cancer event, raising money for breast cancer awareness—$50 per ticket.

Giudice mingled with fans, never turned down a photo opportunity or a signing, and praised the Steelers’ victory over the Bengals just hours prior.

I sat down for literally a two-minute interview with Giudice and before I had time to cross my legs, she said, “Dove sei?” which in Italian means, “Where are you from?”—a common question among Italian-Americans inquiring which region of the boot.

My answers—Calabria and Napoli—got her curious, and we talked about our families in Italian.

I'm talking to Teresa Giudice in Italian. Che pazzo! (Cue hand gesture.)

Giudice knew all about Patch—she reads Franklin Lakes Patch, of course.

“I’m here today to support this great cause,” she said. “We are all so lucky to be healthy and fortunate to be here. Some people don’t have that.

“I really believe if you do good, good comes back to you.”

Now her fellow housewives may think this isn't the "real" Teresa talking, but do we really know Bravo’s portrayal is the actual truth?

She commented on my fur-collared cardigan—“I like your furry thing,” she quipped.

Her photog snapped a photo and that was that. We said “Ciao," air-kissed and parted ways. Following meet and greets, 961 Kiss’s Tall Cathy held a question-and-answer session with Giudice.

She later thanked her Pittsburgh fans via Twitter, “LOVED meeting you all in Pittsburgh tonight for the @961KISS Knockout Cancer event! Pics: http://bit.ly/urn95D xx,” she wrote.

Patrons enjoyed music, shopping discounts, food and drinks throughout The Galleria Sunday—the decor was perfected for the ultimate Christmas enthusiast.

More than 35 businesses were represented—Sewickley Spa, Give Mia Cookie and in Peters, just to name a few—not including business donations made for the Chinese and Silent auctions.

Clique Vodka distributed a pretty, pink drink—vodka and Diet Cherry 7 UP.

The CLO Mini Stars prepped everyone for the holidays with a talented medley of new and traditional Christmas tunes.

At 10 p.m., locals left in the holiday spirit, with a tote bag of swag and perhaps, for those that were confused by the most recent NJ Housewives reunion, a refreshed "love, love, LOVE" for Giudice.

Who's ready for Season 4...and Christmas?