MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – WVU Medicine Children’s this week announced details regarding the guest emcee for the organization’s upcoming 20th annual gala event.

It was revealed that seasoned television veteran Mario Lopez would assuming the role for the 2024 iteration of the fundraising event. A consistent fixture of television and pop culture in recent decades, Lopez first gained recognition for his role as A.C. Slater in the classic 1990s series, Saved by the Bell.

Lopez has since gone on to forge an impressive career for himself, serving as host for various programs including Extra, Access Hollywood, The X Factor, and America’s Best Dance Crew. He has also appeared on Dancing with the Stars, as well as numerous productions in film, television, and even on the Broadway stage.

“Lopez’s prolific career has made him one of the most sought-after personalities in entertainment today,” said WVU Medicine Children’s in a statement. “We hope you will be excited to have Mario lead our 20th anniversary gala and help support the greatest needs of WVU Medicine Children’s.”

The upcoming event is set to be held at Morgantown Event Center at Waterfront Place under the theme, “Welcome to the City of Lights.” The annual fundraiser supports patients, families, healthcare teams, and staff at WVU Medicine Children’s by helping to provide vital equipment as well as critical programs and services.

The gala will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, with tickets becoming available for purchase starting Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 9:00am at the WVU Medicine Children’s Annual Gala event website.

Most recently, the gala was emceed in its 19th iteration by NSYNC member and successful television personality Joey Fatone, who had also handled emceeing duties the year prior.

Additional information regarding the gala event can be found at the Facebook event page, while additional LOOTPRESS coverage for the Monongalia County area can be found here.