Antonio Banderas to host gala

 Spanish actor Antonio Banderas will host for the third straight year the Starlite Gala, an international platform benefiting a series of charitable foundations. The event to be held Aug 4 in the southern Spanish resort city of Marbella is based on appearances by well-known spokespersons that help garner media coverage for different causes, the organization said in a communiqué. This year`s Starlite Gala will feature performances by stars like Jon Secada, while several auctions will be held during the event offering such prizes as an invitation for two to next year`s Oscars. Taking the stage with Antonio Banderas this time will be friends and personalities from the worlds of culture and showbiz. The gala`s sole purpose is to collect funds for the foundation with which the actor is involved - Lagrimas y Favores (Tears and Favors), Ninos en Alegria (Children in Happiness), Cudeca and Best Buddies International. This year`s humanitarian prize will be awarded to Anthony Kennedy for his work as founder of Best Buddies International, dedicated to integrating the mentally challenged into society. The foundation is present in 50 countries.