Gerber® Celebrates Winner of 10th Annual Photo Search

Baby Magnolia of California wins over Gerber with joyful smile and sunny personality

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May 08, 2020, 09:30 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., May 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, early childhood nutrition leader Gerber announced an adorable new addition to the Gerber family with the winner of its 10^th annual Photo Search. Magnolia Earl from Ross, California captured the hearts of the judging panel with her joyful expression, playful smile and warm, engaging gaze.

Baby Magnolia was chosen as the 2020 Gerber Spokesbaby from more than 327,000 entries submitted through photosearch.gerber.com where families could upload photos, videos and share stories. As the newest Gerber Spokesbaby, Magnolia represents every Gerber baby, and her family's story serves as a reminder of what unites all parents and drives everyone at Gerber: the promise to do anything for baby.

"Magnolia has brought so much joy to everyone she meets. Her personality is beyond happy and joyful," said Courtney Earl, Magnolia's mother. "On May 9th, 2019 we received a call from the Adoption Agency that there was an expectant mom that was in labor and wanted to talk to us! We pulled off the highway, got a chance to connect with her amazing birth parents, and a few hours later, this sweet baby girl was born. Adoption is incredibly special to our family's story. Winning Photo Search is an opportunity to tell Magnolia's story and shed light on all the beautiful and different ways families are made."

Magnolia Earl will celebrate her first birthday tomorrow, Saturday, May 9^th. She has two older sisters, Whitney (12) and Charlotte (8), who is also adopted. The three girls adore playing together – especially splashing in the kiddie pool and dancing to the Baby Shark song.

"Our Gerber family of farmers, factory workers, employees and customers are all united in our pursuit to do everything and anything for baby. We believe every baby is a Gerber baby and standing behind our babies has never mattered more than it does now," said Bill Partyka, President and CEO, Gerber. "At a time when we are yearning for connection and unity, Magnolia and her family remind us of the many things that bring us together: our desire to love and be loved, our need to find belonging, and our recognition that family goes way beyond biology."

Launched in 2010, Photo Search was inspired by the countless photos received over the years from parents who see their little ones in Gerber's iconic baby logo, which features the original Gerber baby, Ann Turner Cook. Photo Search celebrates babies and families from all backgrounds, highlighting the belief that every baby is a Gerber Baby.

"Photo Search is a moment of celebration that so many families look forward to each year. And this year – perhaps more than ever – the Gerber family is thrilled to celebrate with Magnolia and her family, and with families across America," said Kelly Schneider, a spokeswoman for Gerber. "The COVID-19 pandemic has made all of us feel more isolated than ever before, so finding new ways to feel connected has never mattered more." 

In addition to the opportunity to be featured on Gerber's social media channels and marketing campaigns throughout the year, Magnolia and her family were rewarded a $25,000 cash prize, $1,000 in Gerber Childrenswear, $1,000 from Walmart and phones with a year of free unlimited service from Verizon – all to provide the best possible start for baby.

"Congratulations to the Earl family! We're excited to provide Baby Magnolia with an adorable new wardrobe for her reign as Gerber's 2020 Spokesbaby!" said Maria Montaño, President and CEO of Gerber Childrenswear.

"Our mission is to ensure every baby has the best start to life and that is why we are so excited for Baby Magnolia and her family," said Melody Richard, Walmart US vice president for baby. "We love their story and are proud to contribute to this incredible opportunity with Gerber for Baby Magnolia and her family. We thank them for giving us this moment to connect and celebrate together as a community."

"We're living in a moment where the power of connection has never been more important," said Tami Erwin, CEO of Verizon Business. "We're proud to join the Gerber family in preparing Baby Magnolia and her family for many more life milestones to come."

"Each of these organizations shares our commitment to families and our belief in the importance of connection and community," said Partyka. "We consider them a part of our Gerber family and we are grateful to them for helping us make Magnolia's big day even more special."

Magnolia's photos and additional information about Photo Search 2020 and Gerber can be found by visiting Gerber's Facebook page or the Gerber Photo Search page.

About Gerber
Gerber Products Company was founded in 1928 in Fremont, Mich. Gerber joined the Nestlé family on September 1, 2007. Gerber is a leader in early childhood nutrition. At Gerber, research informs everything we do – from the products we make, the nutrition education we deliver and the services we offer. Gerber provides resources from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) for health care professionals at Medical.Gerber.com/FITS and for parents at Gerber.com.

About Gerber Childrenswear
Gerber Childrenswear LLC is a leading socially responsible marketer of children's everyday basic / fashion / active wear 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 NFL®, Disney® and New Balance®. Proprietary brands include Onesies®, Just Born® and Cuddle Time®. The company sells layette, sleepwear, playwear, active wear, undergarments, accessories, hosiery, bibs/burp cloths, bath, bedding and cloth diapers to all channels of distribution.

About Walmart
Walmart Inc. helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 265 million customers and members visit approximately 11,500 stores under 56 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2020 revenue of $524 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world's leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019. The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers' demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

Gerber Products Company
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SOURCE Gerber