Preheat the oven to 350°.
Place the butter in a 13x9 inch baking pan. Heat the pan in the oven until the butter is melted for about 3 to 5 minutes.
In a large bowl combine the flour, vanilla, milk, and 1 ¼ cups of sugar until it is well blended.
In a small bowl mix the cocoa and the remaining sugar.
Remove the baking pan from the oven and add the batter.
Sprinkle with strawberries and the cocoa mixture, Heat water in a saucepan and pour the boiling water evenly over the top. Do not stir.
Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean.
Let it stand for about 10 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries.