Sydney Markets Foundation Cherry Auction raises $80,000 for Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation

The Sydney Markets Foundation's 41st Annual Cherry Auction was held at the Hyde Park Ballroom on November 19 at Doltone House where Robert Lo from Pro Bros Providore bid $60,000 for the symbolic first tray of cherries for the season.

The total was bumped up further when the Sydney Markets Credit Service donated an additional $20,000 in support of the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.

Mr Lo said supporting a children's charity was close to his heart.

"We are very excited for this cause. We are so blessed that we can support the children's hospital and to be part of this charity," he said.

"We like to help the kids and the community."

The event was held after two years of disruptions due to COVID-19, under the theme of "a touch of Gatsby".

Traditionally held at the Sydney Markets, it was the first time the auction was done at a gala dinner.

Sydney Markets Foundation chairperson Carlo Trimboli said Pro Bros Providores really did it for the industry.

"Rob and his team, stand out as industry supporters. They love fresh produce; they are active, everyday on the market floor. We love them," he said.

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The event brought together the wider fresh produce community to celebrate and support the work the Sydney Markets Foundation does for the community.

Over the past 41 years, the Sydney Market's Cherry Auction has raised more than $1 million for Australian charities.

This year the auction raised funds in support of oncology clinical trials at the Children's Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.

Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation head of corporate engagement Lisa Woolf-Jones said the organisation was honoured to be chosen as the charity partner of this year's cherry auction.

For every $2500 raised, it allows one child to be enrolled in a clinical trial.

"By supporting clinical trials, we are helping clinicians and researchers get closer to finding a cure for childhood cancer and giving another treatment option to a child and their family," Ms Woolf-Jones said.

"Every bit of support helps get closer to a world where every child is free of cancer. A world where kids can just be kids."

The Sydney Markets Foundation's Meegan George said the auction has been a highly anticipated event on the Sydney Markets calendar for more than four decades.

"Whilst we still managed to raise over $20,000 for our charity partner last year, Covid-19 restrictions had meant we hadn't had a live Cherry Auction since 2019 and we were so excited to be back," Ms George said.

"It was a great evening and the perfect way to welcome the start of the stone fruit season, whilst raising funds for a very worthy cause."

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