World of Chocolate is the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's (AFC) annual holiday fundraising event held in commemoration of World AIDS Day. At this festive event, guests will sample scrumptious chocolate creations from many of Chicagoland's finest restaurants, caterers and chocolatiers. Last year's World of Chocolate was so successful they have moved to a new home in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago to add more chocolate, more bazaar items, more entertainment and more fun! The vendors creating the delicacies will compete for top honors in several categories as judged by local celebrities. Other components of the evening include entertainment, a raffle, and shopping at the Holiday Bazaar which features fine gifts and ornaments donated by local merchants. Immediately preceding World of Chocolate, we will host a global AIDS discussion and presentation from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Plaza Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Don't miss this incredible pre-event! This is the first time that tickets to this function have been open to the public. This year the event features a non-governmental organization called Picturing Hope whose mission is to give children affected by HIV/AIDS and living in developing countries the gift of self-expression through photography. We will be able to view their exhibit, Through Their Eyes, and meet some of the children who have traveled for the first time away from their home countries to be with us in Chicago for World AIDS Day. To view some of the stunning photography and learn more about the organization, visit www.picturinghope.com. An open bar and light buffet rounds out this delightful kick-off to the holiday season. Date & Time: Thursday, November 30, 2006 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pre-Event Picturing Hope ­ Plaza Ballroom 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. World of Chocolate ­ Grand Ballroom Location: Hyatt Regency Chicago Ticket Prices: $60 Individual tickets in advance $75 Individual tickets at-the-door $100 Sweet & Savory tickets Individuals who purchase at this level receive admission to both the Picturing Hope pre-event and World of Chocolate $125 Red Ribbon Tickets Individuals who purchase at this level receive a Red Ribbon Lapel Pin and acknowledgement in the program book. Beneficiary: Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC's grantmaking, policy, and public education programs. Since 1988, AFC ­ the largest source of HIV/AIDS philanthropic support in the Midwest ­ has awarded more than $17 million to area HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy projects.