The Louisiana Center for Women and Government, headquartered at Nicholls State University, is sponsoring a “Dancing with the Stars of the South” on Oct. 29 at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans.

Headlining the celebrity guest list is Mario Lopez, “Dancing with the Stars” finalist and host of “America’s Best Dance Crew.”

The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction. Dinner, a live auction and star-studded performances begin at 8 p.m.

Eric Paulsen, anchor of WWL-TV “Eyewitness Morning News,” will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Dancers include Margarita Bergen, host of New Orleans Roundtable Luncheon; Rufino Saavedra, owner of Rufino’s Painting & Construction; Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans; Charles Kunz, former Broadway dancer; Teresa Guzzetta, community volunteer activist; and Elton Lagasse, Jefferson Parish Councilman.

Other dancers include Patty Booth-Julius, lead singer for Dean Martin’s “Golddiggers;” Suzaune Yee McKamey, singer and entertainer with Suzaune & Company; Michael Maenza, owner of Mr. Mudbug and MMI Culinary Services Inc.; Lori Ramsey, owner of Ramsey Jewelers; and winner of the 2010 “Dancing with the Stars of the South” Nell Nolan, society editor of The Times Picayune.

Judges include Lopez; Nancy Parker, anchor of Fox 8 Live; Greg Reggio, chef and owner of Zea; John Young, Jefferson Parish president; and Angela Hill, anchor of WWL-TV Eyewitness News.

Auctioneers include Lopez; Martin Folse, owner and CEO of HTV-10; Danny Martiny, state senator from District 10; Diane Hollis, former Jefferson Parish councilwoman; and Eric Skrmetta, Louisiana Public Service commissioner.

Tickets are $75 per person and include complimentary wine service with dinner. Cocktail attire is required.

For additional information, call 985-448-4770 or go to dancingwiththestarsofthesouth.webs.com/.

Proceeds will benefit Louisiana Center’s wide array of programs, including the student internship program; Louisiana Girls’ Leadership Academy; National Women’s Leadership Summit on Energy and the Environment; Women’s Leadership Institute; Congress to Campus; Hall of Fame awards ceremony; legislative women’s luncheon; regional leadership councils; statewide Leadership Institute; and “A Woman’s Perspective” segment on HTV-10’s “Bayou Time.”

Established in 1991, the center encourages and promotes the leadership of women by providing resources and non-partisan support through educational workshops, training seminars and outreach programs. With more than 600 members from eight regions across Louisiana, the Center promotes women in government and public service; acknowledges achievements of women; and teaches all citizens about the importance of public service and responsible citizenship.