In 2018, Gerber introduced its first-ever spokesbaby with Down syndrome, marking a significant milestone in representation. This adorable one-year-old, named Oliver Thompson, hails from Dalton, Georgia, and has captured hearts across the nation. He will serve as the face of Gerber during 2018, appearing in various marketing campaigns and social media initiatives. As part of the honor, Oliver’s family received a $50,000 prize, which they plan to allocate toward his future education.
A Proud Moment for the Thompson Family
Oliver’s parents, Rachel and Michael Thompson, expressed their amazement upon learning that their son was selected from an astounding 140,000 entries in Gerber’s annual photo contest. Initially taken aback, they soon realized the broader implications of this win for children with special needs. “My biggest fear has always been how others would perceive Oliver,” Rachel shared with a media outlet. “I worried about bullying or people being uncomfortable around him. But that has never changed how we see him—he is our son, and we love him dearly.” Michael added, “I want him to look back and say, ‘I was the Gerber baby. I made a difference.’”
The Legacy of the Gerber Baby
The tradition of the Gerber baby dates back 90 years, beginning with Ann Turner Cook, the company’s first mascot. For the past eight years, Gerber has held an annual competition to discover a new spokesbaby. Ann stated, “I hope you take pride in representing Gerber this year, as I have for the past 90 years. It is a privilege to be a universal symbol for babies around the world. I am thrilled to celebrate this occasion. Oliver is truly a treasure, and I look forward to seeing him flourish throughout the year.”
Community Reactions
Social media users have reacted positively to Oliver’s selection as the face of this iconic brand. His charm and potential to serve as a remarkable ambassador are evident, as many have expressed their excitement. “I hope this brings attention to the special needs community, emphasizing that they deserve acceptance based on who they are, not their appearance,” Rachel remarked. Michael added, “We are eager for him to spread joy and love to everyone he meets.”
Additional Resources
For those interested in further exploring topics around pregnancy and home insemination, resources such as this article on artificial insemination kits can be quite useful. Additionally, fetal monitoring is a crucial aspect of prenatal care, and you can find valuable information on pregnancy from the World Health Organization.
Conclusion
In summary, Oliver Thompson’s selection as Gerber’s 2018 baby symbolizes progress in representation for children with Down syndrome, offering hope and inspiration to families everywhere.