THE annual children's charity cherry auction is set to kick off tomorrow.
Throughout Victoria cherry growers have been invited to submit their biggest and best 5kg boxes of cherries for a good cause.
The boxes will be judged by an expert panel of celebrity chefs and foodies.
A team of chefs from Melbourne's finest restaurants including Pierrick Boyer from Le Petit Gateau, Ian Curley from The European and Matteo Pignatelli from Matteo's Restaurant will donate their time to the panel.
The event is a collaboration between Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Citymission, the Victorian Cherry Association and children's charity Variety.
Variety communications officer Kathryn Norton said it was hoping to raise $20,000 - $30,000.
"In the past it has reached quite high prices," she said.
"It's the same with the mango and pineapple auctions."
The charity works with sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.
"They're the ones who often fall through the cracks," Ms Norton said.
"It's been five years since the last cherry auction breakfast and we decided to bring it back.
"Citymission contacted us to tell us and asked us to team up with them.
"It's a busy time of year for us and we're very glad to be doing this for the first time."
The Cherry Auction Breakfast is open to the public from 7am.
The bidding kicks off at 8am, expecting to draw corporate businesses, celebrity guests and philanthropic fruit merchants from around Australia.
Donations can also be made directly to the charities, and will be shared equally between Variety and Melbourne Citymission.
For more information email info@varietyvic.org.au or call (03) 8698 3900.
Price: $50 per person
$400 per table (eight people)
Date: Tuesday, November 20
Venue: Shed L, Queen Victoria Market, Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Time: 7am - 9am
