LAGUNA BEACH, CA–(Marketwire – August 10, 2010) –  Mario Lopez will host the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters twelfth annual gala benefit on August 28th.

Mario Lopez began his career as one of the main characters in the hit teen series SAVED BY THE BELL. Presently, he is the host of the popular daily nationally syndicated show EXTRA. Concurrently, Lopez continues his hosting duties on MTV highly rated program, America’s Best Dance Crew. Mario is no stranger to rigorous dance routines, in the third season of ABC’s hit Dancing with the Stars; he danced his way to the finals.

In summer 2009, Mario successfully completed his first run on Broadway. He starred in the long running hit musical A CHORUS LINE as the much loved character ‘Zach.’ Mario has taken on another Hollywood venture, but this time he will be behind the camera. Mario is also an accomplished author. Thus far he has penned three books including: Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness is a bestselling fitness book that offers readers a look into Lopez’s workout regime, Mud Tacos, a children’s book he co-authored with his sister Marissa, and most recently Extra Lean, a guide to healthy and balanced eating. Extra Lean was recently named a New York Times Best Seller. Even with all his other ventures, Mario is still in love with acting. Lopez reincarnated his guest starring role as Dr. Mike Hamoui on the final season of F/X network’s popular show Nip/Tuck. Lopez’s run on the series garnished an instant and well deserved cult following. He previously starred in the highest rated program in ABC Family history, Holiday in Handcuffs. He also starred opposite Mark Consuelos in the made for TV movie Husband for Hire, which was the most watched program ever on the Oxygen Network.

This red carpet one-night affair will offer guests an evening of music, dancing and a special performance of this summer’s highly popular Pageant of the Masters, entitled “Eat, Drink and Be Merry.” Other guest celebrities scheduled to attend are cast members from the hit series CRIMINAL MINDS (A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Joe Mantegna) along with Richard Karn, Joseph Mascolo, Jerry Mathers, Donna Mills, Charles Shaughnessy and many others.

This is also an opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to win a 2010 Acura ZDX, valued over $49,000. Mario will pull the winning ticket. Great silent auction and much more!

Ticket prices to the Gala Benefit are $50-$350. Cocktail attire. Special $350 tickets include: Early entry to the event along with the celebrities, dinner at Tivoli Terrace and Loge Center seating during the show. The evening’s proceeds will benefit the Festival of Arts Building Fund. For more information call 1-800-487-3378 or visit the website at www.PageantTickets.com. The event is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California.