Godiva Chocolatier and Bestselling Author Nicholas Sparks Present the "Sweetest Story Ever Told"

NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This Valentine's Day, Godiva Chocolatier is creating the perfect marriage of romance and prose by partnering with New York Times bestselling author and world-acclaimed novelist Nicholas Sparks for its 2012 Valentine's Day Sweepstakes. One lucky chocolate lover will have the chance to meet the author of award-winning novels such as The Notebook and The Best of Me, attend the premiere of his latest movie, The Lucky One, before it hits theaters on April 20th, and have their name inscribed in literature forever, as a character in one of Sparks' upcoming books.

To celebrate the season of love, Godiva is encouraging fans to share their sweetest love stories exclusively on Godiva.com/lovestory for a chance to win the ultimate Valentine's Day experience. The Grand Prize winner of the sweepstakes will have the opportunity to meet with Nicholas Sparks who will consult with them on how to write their own love story, inspired from their own personal life history and anecdotes. Sparks will also name an upcoming character in one of his books after the Grand Prize winner, giving them a lifetime of personalized romance within an acclaimed novel. Finally, the winner will have the rare opportunity to grace the red carpet at The Lucky One movie premiere, receive a complete autographed set of seventeen Nicholas Sparks love stories and indulge in a year's worth of Godiva chocolate.

"At Godiva, we are dedicated to creating special moments for our loyal customers and this year, we are excited to offer one lucky chocolate lover memories that will last a lifetime," says Jim Goldman, President and CEO, Godiva Chocolatier Worldwide. "Our unprecedented partnership with the talented Nicholas Sparks will not only delight our Grand Prize winner in the months to come, but will allow them to live on as the namesake of a literary character forever." 

"To me, Godiva is synonymous with love.  There is no better key to a woman's heart, than the gift of decadent chocolates," says Sparks.  "I am thrilled to partner with Godiva this Valentine's Day and I am looking forward to meeting the Grand Prize Winner of the 'Sweetest Story Ever Told' sweepstakes and learning about their personal love story." 

The 2012 Valentine's Day Sweepstakes will be unveiled on February 1, 2012 at a press conference in New York City.  Media will be invited to meet with Nicholas Sparks in a chocolate library befitting his wonderful novels, complete with paintings by legendary artists Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt van Rijn, recreated entirely out of Godiva chocolate.  The centerpiece of the space will be an elaborate chocolate desk topped with a chocolate scroll. Iconic Godiva Valentine's Day Satin Heart Boxes will adorn the room as well. 

In the two weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, Godiva is encouraging customers to enter the sweepstakes by sharing their sweetest love story at www.Godiva.com/LoveStory. While the ultimate prize will go to one winner, 100 first prize winners will receive an autographed copy of Sparks' novel, The Lucky One, and a complimentary box of Godiva chocolates.  Submission deadline for the "Sweetest Story Ever Told" sweepstakes is February 14, 2012.

About Godiva Chocolatier
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 has been dedicated to excellence and innovation in the Belgian tradition for over 80 years. www.GODIVA.com.

About The Lucky One
Based on Nicholas Sparks' bestseller of the same name, the romantic drama "The Lucky One" stars Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Jay R. Ferguson and Blythe Danner under the direction of Academy Award®-nominated writer/director Scott Hicks ("Shine").  Hicks directed the film from a screenplay by Will Fetters.  Denise Di Novi, and Kevin McCormick produced the film, with Ravi Mehta, Alison Greenspan and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers, and Kerry Heysen as co-producer.  Opening on April 20, 2012, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

SOURCE Godiva Chocolatier