SYDNEY MARKETS FOUNDATION CHERRY AUCTION RETURNS TO SUPPORT LITTLE WINGS AND REGIONAL FAMILIES
-Funds raised will help expand vital air and ground transport for seriously ill children
Publicity Content
Sydney, Australia – 12 November 2025:
After a record breaking $165,000 result in 2024, the first box of cherries of the 2025 season will be auctioned off this Saturday, 29th November 2025 at the annual Cherry Ball hosted by the Sydney Markets Foundation. Proceeds of this highly anticipated event will go to charity partner, Little Wings, raising funds to help regional families with seriously ill children.
Now celebrating its 44th year, the iconic Cherry Auction has become a staple of Sydney’s summer produce calendar, with the event having raised more than $2 million for Australian charities.
Extending its support for a second year, Sydney Markets Foundation has partnered with Little Wings, the charity providing free, safe and professional air and ground transport for seriously ill children across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.
Funding from last year’s $165,000 winning box of cherries enabled Little Wings to run two additional missions per week, double the number of Medical Wings clinics in New South Wales, and expand its reach to families in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.
These clinics deliver preventive care, early diagnosis and health literacy support directly to regional communities, particularly Indigenous families and school-aged children.
2025 has been a record year for Little Wings, supporting 5,110 children across Australia and completing 2,385 missions, powered by a dedicated volunteer network of 98 people – including volunteer pilots who collectively donated more than 30,000 hours of their time.
“Thanks to the support of Sydney Markets Foundation, its community and sponsors, we’ve been able to expand our reach and say ‘yes’ to helping more families than ever before. Since last year’s auction, we’ve seen record numbers; from volunteer assistance to missions completed. This year, we’re continuing to grow our services, including outreach clinics, preventative health initiatives, and hands-on support that keeps families close to the medical care they need,” said Clare Pearson,
CEO of Little Wings.
This highly anticipated auction marks the beginning of stonefruit season and takes place during the annual Cherry Ball, bringing together the independent Australian fresh produce industry including Proud Partner, Sydney Markets, Gold Sponsor Toyota Material Handling Australia, Silver Sponsor Fresh Produce Group and Bronze Sponsors Perfection Fresh and Ray White Elevate Group.
Guests will enjoy entertainment, fundraising opportunities, and the hotly contested crowning of the new Cherry King or Cherry Queen. The coveted box of cherries in 2024 was selected from the Warby Ranges in North East Victoria and was auctioned to cherry royalty Talal and Joanne Khanafer of Trims Fresh Merrylands (NSW).
“The evening is about more than bidding on the first cherries of the season, it’s about showing what this industry and community can achieve when we come together. Every dollar raised goes directly to keeping children in regional and rural areas connected to lifesaving care, and that’s something our growers, wholesalers, and partners are deeply proud to support,” said Meegan George, CEO of the Sydney Markets Foundation.
“The Cherry Auction is one of the most treasured traditions on the Sydney Markets calendar – a moment where the joy of the first taste of cherries meets the generosity of our community. We’re proud to support Little Wings as they expand their vital services to even more families across Australia. Each year, the passion and commitment from our growers, wholesalers, retailers, and supporters makes an incredible difference, proving once again that together, we can turn the simple cherry into something life-changing,” said Meegan George, CEO of Sydney Markets Foundation.
Tickets to the 2025 Cherry Ball are available via:
https://sydneymarketsfoundation.com.au/cherryball/
The 2025 Sydney Markets Foundation Charity Cherry Ball details:
When: Saturday 29th November 2025
Where: Miramare Gardens, 48 Myoora Road Terrey Hills, NSW
Time: 6:30pm to 11:30pm
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
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First box of 2025 cherries up for auction, following last year’s record-breaking $165,000 result.
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Entertainment and celebrations including live music, performances, and festivities for guests.
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Cherry King or Cherry Queen crowning, a fun, competitive highlight of the evening.
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Community and industry gathering with growers, wholesalers, retailers, and supporters coming together for charity.
OTHER DETAILS
When: Saturday 29th November 2025
Where: Miramare Gardens, 48 Myoora Road Terrey Hills, NSW
Time: 6:30pm to 11:30pm
Tickets to the 2025 Cherry Ball are available via: https://
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About the Sydney Markets Cherry Auction:
Traditionally signifying the beginning of the stone fruit season, the Sydney Markets Cherry Auction
was established in 1980 by Stan Hunt, a well-respected wholesaler trading at Sydney Markets.
Since its inception, the Cherry Auction has raised over $2 million for a number of worthy Australian
charities.
About Sydney Markets Foundation:
The Sydney Markets Foundation (SMF) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that aims
to assist those businesses that are part of the fresh produce supply chain during times of
crisis. Its charitable activities have provided funding to help communities through drought,
floods, and bushfires and lend a helping hand to people associated with Sydney Markets
and the industry who are doing it tough.
