It's sweet charity all over again at Godiva Chocolatier. Godiva today announced the second annual Celebrity Charity Auction in celebration of Godiva's newest arrival - The Platinum Collection. Indulge in a glamorous evening of delectable decadence and charitable giving hosted by some of the world's most fascinating public figures as they celebrate their own legacy -their families and their proteges.

Join Muhammad Ali, Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, Jennifer Garner or Ricky Martin for an unforgettable evening, benefiting charities chosen by each participant for you and seven lucky friends. Each exclusive meal will be catered to your every whim by culinary wunderkind, Todd English, who will craft couture meals inspired by selections from the fifteen vibrant new Platinum pieces. Bidding for the meals, which will be held in Louisville, London, Los Angeles and New York, begins on September 29 at 5pm PDT and concludes on October 9 at 5pm PDT on www.Godiva.com/charityauction, which will be run by eBay.

All proceeds of each dinner will be donated to a charity of the celebrity's choosing. Godiva's Platinum Collection ushers in a new generation for the chocolatier. Like a child who inherits her mother's taste but has her own sense of style, Godiva has bestowed on Platinum a modern allure, while maintaining the same quality and care that has marked its gold standard for more than 80 years. The collection is heavily influenced by contemporary trends in fashion, art and music but carries on the heritage of Godiva's timeless luxury.

"Our Platinum Collection is a celebration of heritage," commented Gene Dunkin, President of Godiva North America. "Part of our hope with this auction is that the funds raised will help preserve our generation's legacy - whether via helping the environment, through education or our children." Each meal will fete another generation...the people who will uphold each host's legacy for years to come and those who have influenced them to become who they are today. Legacy is having your mother's hands, your father's wit and your favorite teacher's love of books. It is the wake we leave behind and the way we choose to affect the world. Legacy is of paramount importance as our actions affect the next generation in every way.
 
Last year, Godiva held a charity auction pairing Sarah Jessica Parker/Mario Batali, Ben Affleck/Todd English, Ricky Martin/Allen Susser, Leonardo DiCaprio/Govind Armstrong and Benjamin Bratt/Gary Danko, which raised more than $150K for various charities chosen by the artists.
 
THE EVENTS: New York Platinum Performer As a multi-platinum artist, Ricky Martin knows that Platinum is as good as it gets. Long an advocate for children's rights, Ricky's legacy is to help the many children who struggle without their own family to not just survive, but also to fulfill their dreams. Shake a tail feather and join Ricky at Todd English's world-famous Olives in New York City at the W Hotel. Todd's Rustic Mediterranean fare will be perfectly finished off by European flavors found in the Caramella, Razabelle and Mokalata pieces which expertly combine ingredients such as caramel, cappuccino, raspberry and dark chocolate. All proceeds from Platinum Performer will benefit the Ricky Martin Foundation (www.rickymartinfoundation.org), which supports a wide range of child-focused institutions worldwide. These funds in particular will go directly to the children in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Chef Todd English One of the most decorated, respected and charismatic chefs in the world, Todd English has enjoyed a staggering number of accolades during his remarkable career. His accomplishments include recognition by several of the food industry's most prestigious publications, establishing one of the best-known brands in the nation, publishing three acclaimed cookbooks, and being recognized as one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People." Todd will meticulously design and cater one-of-a-kind couture meals for each event. Working with some of his own mentors, proteges and contemporaries, Todd will pull in specific flavors and pieces from the Platinum Collection to create his unforgettable feasts. The last taste of which, of course, will be a sweet piece of Platinum. So thank your mother, bring your son or honor your mentor, and dine with some of the most intriguing public figures in the world today. It's all for a great cause sure to make a difference in someone else's future.

Go ahead - treat yourself and your seven nearest and dearest to a charitable evening to be talked about for generations to come...

About the Platinum Collection:
An all-new line of signature creations, Godiva's Platinum Collection stimulates the senses with new pleasures, while each piece name personifies the quality, texture and style found in each flavor.  The fifteen Platinum Collection pieces are a culmination of 80 years of chocolate innovation and offer opulent bold flavors, while remaining true to the exceptional quality of Godiva.

About Godiva:
With production facilities in Belgium and the U.S., Godiva Chocolatier is recognized around the world as the leader in fine chocolates.  From its famous truffles and shell-molded chocolate pieces to its European-style biscuits, gourmet coffees, and hot cocoa, Godiva Chocolatier is dedicated to nearly 80 years of excellence and innovation in the Belgium tradition.