$165,000 Raised at the 43rd Annual Cherry Auction for Little Wings
Sydney, Australia – 2 December 2024: A box of cherries from the Warby Ranges in North East Victoria has gone under the hammer for a record breaking $165,000 at the annual Sydney Markets Foundation Cherry Ball. The box of cherries was from Smiths Fruit in Wangaratta, which has been in operation for almost 150 years, and was specially selected at an official tasting event ahead of the Cherry Auction.
The winning bid of $60,000 was from Talal & Joanne Khanafer from Trims Fresh Merrylands, with additional pledges totalling $105,000, including $25,000 from Sydney Markets Limited on behalf of its shareholders, $20,000 from Sydney Markets Credit Services, and a further $60,000 from a consortium of Sydney Markets Businesses and individuals.
The cherry auction will see the full $165,000 go to 2024 charity partner, Little Wings. The organisation provides free, safe and professional air and ground transport for seriously ill children across regional and rural towns in NSW, the ACT and QLD.
The annual Cherry Auction has raised about $2M since its inception in 1980. Sydney Markets Foundation CEO Meegan George said the Cherry Auction allows the Markets community to celebrate the stone fruit season in style alongside the wider fresh produce industry and corporate donors.
“We’re incredibly proud of the beautiful produce that comes through Sydney Markets and there are few Aussie traditions greater than the bowl of cherries on the Christmas table. The Cherry Ball is more than just a celebration of the start of the stone fruit season, it’s a chance for us to come together and change lives. By supporting Little Wings and their incredible work, we are ensuring children in rural and regional areas get the care they need, no matter the distance. Every bid at the auction brings us closer to making a real impact for these brave kids and their families,” said George.
“Congratulations to Talal & Joanne Khanafer from Trims Fresh Merrylands on winning the 43rd Cherry Auction and showing your support to a great cause.” CEO of Little Wings Clare Pearson was delighted by the outcome and support shown from the 43rd Cherry Auction and showing your support to a great cause.”
CEO of Little Wings Clare Pearson was delighted by the outcome and support shown from the Markets community. “The funds raised by Sydney Markets Foundation will help support families in our regional communities to continue to access vital transport services so their kids can get to appointments, surgeries and treatments,” said Pearson.
Check out some of the amazing photos from the night.
Clippings from TV Coverage Over the Weekend:
List of Winning Bids for the Cherry Auction
- Talal & Joanne Khanafer from Trims Fresh Merrylands donated $60,000
- Sydney Markets Limited donated, on behalf of its shareholders, $25,000
- Sydney Markets Credit Services donated $20,000
- A consortium of Sydney Markets Businesses and individuals donated $60,000.
List of Contributors to the Consortium
Company | Name |
All Seasons Produce | Domenic Pisciuneri |
Akropol | Harry Emmanilidis |
Antico International | Chris Antico |
Arcella Group | Rosa Arcella |
Express Fruit | Greg McConnell |
Fruit Ezy | Max Filipe |
J E Tipper | Steve Barnes |
Perfection Fresh Australia | John & Michael Simonetta |
Red Rich Fruits | Matt Palise |
Samson’s Fruit & Veg Supply | Carlo Trimboli |
Raw Fresh | James Kholer |
The N & A Fruit Distributors | Rob Cathels |
T & F Marketing | Tony Campisi |
Sydney Trucks & Machinery | Mick Gerace |
J H Gotts | Warren Scanlon |
Fresh Produce Group | Robert Nugan / Brendon Lai |
Allcrops | Alf & Joe Sparacino |
Marinucci Packaging | Charles Marinucci |
Murphys Produce | Norm Moses |
Lemdell | Anthony Capobianco |
Miramare Gardens | Lee Severino |
Theia Advisory Pty Ltd | Effie Stefos |
We Also Want to Thank Our Supporters:
- Pure Gelato
- Cubic
- Miramare Gradens
- Nutroasters
- Paramatta Distilling
- Geniale
Finally, We Want to Thank All of the Contributors to the Event:
|
A & M Kazzi & Sons Pty Limited |
Mark And Sandra Pinkley |
South Sydney Rabbitohs |
|
Apollo Fruit Supply |
Mint Produce |
Southern Asia Produce |
|
Arthur Yee Pty Ltd |
Nahle Holdings Pty Ltd |
Stuart Dickson Produce Pty Ltd |
|
Aussie Roma Fresh Pty Ltd |
New Fresh Australia |
Sydney Flower Supplies |
|
Bagala Bros Australia Pty Ltd |
One Solution |
Sydney Markets Limited |
|
D & V Varacalli Pty Ltd |
Parisi |
The N & A Fruit Distributors |
|
Export Fresh Pty Ltd |
Perfection Fresh Australia |
Toyota Material Handling |
|
Fresh Xpress Wholesale |
Ray K Ghalloub & Sons Pty Limited |
TV Farms Pty Ltd |
|
G & T Sergi |
Roy Cave & Sons Pty Ltd |
Valley View Produce |
|
Gourmand Providore Pty Ltd |
Sal Russo |
Valos Holdings Pty Ltd |
|
Harry Sun Pty Ltd |
Sinclair & Antico (Aust) |
Vin Floral |
