Gerber® Names Winner of Gerber Baby Photo Search
Baby Riley Named the 2017 Spokesbaby
FLORHAM PARK, NJ, January 31, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Early childhood nutrition leader Gerber announced a charming new face and the winning entry of the seventh annual Gerber Baby Photo Search 2016 – baby Riley from Lewis Center, Ohio. The submission featuring the precious 6-month-old was selected by a panel of judges as the Grand Prize winning entry from more than 110,000 entries. Riley’s parents will receive $50,000, $1,500 in Gerber Childrenswear and the opportunity for Riley to star in a future Gerber advertisement as the 2017 Spokesbaby.
“Originally, my husband laughed at me for entering the contest because there were so many submissions! Now, we have the opportunity to start a college fund for our beautiful baby boy,” said Riley’s mom, Kristen Shines. “Riley brings such joy to our family with his infectious laugh and big, gummy smile, and we can’t wait to share that joy with the rest of the world! We are truly honored to be joining the Gerber family.”
The annual Gerber Baby Photo Search pays homage to Ann Turner Cook, whose face has been featured as the iconic charcoal-sketched logo on Gerber’s packaging since 1928, and who just recently celebrated her 90th birthday. This year’s Photo Search was held online at Gerber.com/photosearch, where parents and guardians were invited to enter a photo of their child into the search during the entry period. A panel of judges reviewed the entries to find children from birth to preschool age whose photos displayed expressiveness and consistency with Gerber’s heritage. Since the inception of Photo Search seven years ago, Gerber has awarded eight (twins in 2013) tiny tots the Photo Search crown. Last year’s winner, Isla, captured the nation’s heart with her adorable smile.
“Gerber recognizes that every baby is a Gerber baby, and every year we are eager to find a new little one through our Photo Search to represent our brand,” said Robyn Fitter, Senior Promotions Marketing Manager at Gerber. “This year, the judges loved Riley’s expression and how well he captured their attention through a simple photograph. We are all thrilled to name Riley as our 2017 Spokesbaby!”
Introducing the 2016 Milestone Winners
In addition to the Grand Prize winner, one winning entry was selected from each Milestone category – Birth+, Supported Sitter, Sitter, Crawler, Toddler and Preschooler. Milestone winners were determined by the highest number of consumer votes from each category on Gerber.com/photosearch.
The six Milestone category winners will each be awarded $3,500, plus $750 in Gerber Childrenswear.
This year’s Milestone winning entries are:
- Birth+: Leo from Rockville, MD
- Supported Sitter: Chase from Southport, CT
- Sitter: Willow from Wichita, KS
- Crawler: Bryce from Mount Holly, NJ
- Toddler: Camden from New York, NY
- Preschooler: Alanys from Humacao, Puerto Rico
Photos of the winners and additional information about Photo Search 2016 and Gerber can be found by visiting Gerber.com.
About Gerber
Gerber Products Company was founded in 1928 in Fremont, Michigan. Gerber joined the Nestlé family on Sept. 1, 2007. Gerber is a leader in early childhood nutrition. Gerber partners with parents to provide the best resources possible during their child’s early years, and has a 24/7 Parents Resource Center available to provide helpful services to mom and dad at any time of the day. For more information on resources available and to stay up to date on all of the latest promotions and products, visit Gerber.com or follow Gerber on Facebook.
About Gerber Childrenswear
Gerber Childrenswear LLC is a leading socially responsible marketer of children’s everyday basic/fashion apparel and related products which it offers under some of the world’s trusted brands. Licensed brands include our flagship brand, Gerber®, as well as New Balance®, Jockey®, and NFL®. Proprietary brands include Onesies® and Always Baby®. The company sells layette, sleepwear, playwear, activewear, undergarments, accessories, hosiery, bibs/burp cloths, bath and bedding, as well as reusable cloth diapers, to all channels of distribution. For additional information about the company, please visit. www.Gerberchildresnwear.com.
Media Contact
Ciara Dixon
Edible
Ciara.dixon@edible-inc.com
