Death by Chocolate A Tempting Fate

For the third consecutive year, Port Columbus is giving Columbus a death sentence. The method of execution? Chocolate. Port Columbus’ popular “Death by Chocolate” fundraiser is back and sweeter than ever. The perfect combination of sugar and history, this night of confections, cocktails and live music hosted at the National Civil War Naval Museum is a chance to support a local institution, uncover intriguing history and maybe even win a trip to The Masters Tournament in Augusta.

“There’s a lot of chocolate here,” the museum’s Executive Director Holly Wait explains excitedly, adding the caveat, “We don’t require that the vendors bring all chocolate. We ask them to bring three different selections, and one of them must be chocolate.” Drooling already? If not, the list of vendors will make your mouth water. Kilwins, Stephanie’s Heavenly Treats and Morten’s at Old Town will offer just a few of the delectable selections. In addition to tasty desserts, B&B Beverage will be bringing a complimentary mix of beer, wine and spirits.

After the success of last year’s Friday the 13th theme, Port Columbus is keeping things mysterious with a Masquerade theme. As part of the Masquerade, there will be live bands, a fortune teller offering tarot readings and a photo station in addition to the desserts and libations, but the really fun part will be the silent auction.

From chocolates to cheesecakes, guests will get to satisfy their sweet tooths.

Creative libations are always a popular offering at Death by Chocolate.

Wait and the Port Columbus crew are especially excited about the offerings in this year’s silent auction which will feature more than 80 auction selections. Along with the usual haul of gift packages from local business like Black Lotus and YourPie, there is a slew of enticing trips up for grabs. For history buffs, the opportunity to visit famous sites and historic cities like Gettysburg, Boston, New Orleans and Charleston as well as the Atlanta History Center and other splendid museums.

However, if sports history is more your speed, the chance to attend two mammoth sporting events is on the table. First, a trip to the NCAA Final Four in Minneapolis, Minnesota is on the line, allowing die-hard hoops fans to attend the biggest college basketball event of the year. Another sports-themed auction item gives golf fanatics the opportunity to attend the most legendary tournament in America, The Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

There’s something for everyone, young and old, to enjoy, but the most important part is connecting the community with its history. “History is the only thing you know for sure. You don’t know what tomorrow is, but I can tell you about yesterday,” Wait says, explaining the need to understand history. “We rely on the kindness of strangers,” she adds, and events like Death by Chocolate are an innovative and delicious way that Port Columbus strives to spread kindness to the strangers that support them.

Death by Chocolate will be held at the National Civil War Naval Museum on Friday, October 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 for museum members and $60 for non-members. Whether you’ve ever been to the Naval Museum before or not, this event is a fun way to enjoy the best sweet treats Columbus has to offer while fostering a deeper appreciation for this historical gem. C