New take on 'death by chococlate'

Craig and Laura Cleveland will host their 'Demise by Chocolate' event this Vintage Weekend at Cleveland funeral home. Photograph by Lewis Gardner

An afternoon of chocolate treats is set to raise money for Whanganui Cancer Society this Vintage Weekend.

Cleveland Funeral Homes' suitably named 'Demise by Chocolate' will take place on Sunday the 22nd at 2.30pm.

Co-owner Laura Cleveland says all proceeds from the $25 tickets will go towards helping those suffering with cancer.

All visitors will be greeted with a glass of bubbles, and an assortment of chocolate based delicacies such as dipped strawberries, truffles, and chocolate cake.

"We've got a few cucumber sandwiches to cut down the chocolate, which will be needed, fancy china, its just a really nice afternoon tea."

There will be a gramophone to play a number of golden tunes. Anyone who feels generous enough to donate a little extra might get the opportunity to ride in a classic 1938 Chevrolet hearse.

This will be followed by a stroll around Whanganui's iconic art deco, Burnblea Chapel and Homestead.

In line with the theme of the weekend, attendees are all invited to wear garments of a bygone era.

This is the second year Laura and husband Craig Cleveland have run the event, after they were inspired by a similar chocolate based charity meal in Napier.

"Its nice to have people come into the funeral home... for a positive thing, some people have come in here for a an unfortunate reason so its nice for them to come back for something like this."

The event aims to raise a few hundred dollars, right now 25 tickets have sold with bookings closing this Friday.

Whanganui Cancer Society spokesperson Yvonne Cuthbertson says any money received will likely be used to make those in their care more comfortable, through support work such as counselling and the use of therapeutic massages.

If you would like to take part in this chocolate afternoon contact Cleveland Funeral Home on 063455522.