Arizona's Akil "Sonny" McLeod has captured the title of the 2024 Gerber Baby, fascinating everyone with his radiant smile and cheerful disposition.
Gerber, the cherished family brand, made the advertisement on Tuesday, June 25, revealing Sonny as the winner of their 14th yearly Gerber Photo Search.
In a lovable photograph, the baby contest winner is seen donning a yellow-and-white banded onesie, beaming as he poses with his My First ABC book.
Sonny's Joyful Journey as the 2024 Gerber Baby
Sonny McLeod, who recently turned one, lives in Arizona with his parents, Dominique and Akil McLeod Sr., and his older sister, Sage. His parents describe him as a source of immense joy, lighting up their lives with his day-to-day achievements, from cackling to trying new foods to standing up on his own.
They expressed that every day, it's an honor to watch Sonny conquer so numerous tiny achievements. He's a light in their lives and brings joy to everyone around him.
The McLeod family is thrilled about Sonny's selection as the 2024 Gerber Baby, especially as it coincides with his first birthday. They are excited about the time ahead, looking forward to collaborating with Gerber and sharing Sonny's contagious smile with families nationwide.
They feel they could not have asked for a better way to celebrate his first birthday and look forward to all the adventures in the time ahead, collaborating with Gerber in sharing his sweet, and gentle smile with other families across the country.
A Unique Selection Process for Gerber Photo Search
This time's Gerber Photo Search featured a unique selection panel, including parents of former Gerber Babies, similar to those of the 2023 Gerber Baby, Maddie. Their participation, along with that of Gerber employees, brought different perspectives to the table.
Chandra Kumar, President of Nestlé Nutrition, expressed gratitude for the former Gerber Baby families' involvement in opting for Sonny as the 2024 Gerber Baby. Kumar noted that Sonny instantaneously captured their hearts with his joyous smile and heartwarming demonstration of what it means to grow with love.
As the 2024 Gerber Baby, Sonny will be prominently featured across Gerber's social media channels and marketing campaigns throughout the year.
The recognition not only celebrates Sonny's charm but also highlights the joy and growth of nonage, reverberating with families far and wide.
Gerber in Supporting Health and Community
In addition to the honor, Sonny and his family received a $25,000 cash prize, a year's supply of Gerber products, and a new wardrobe from Gerber Childrenswear. But the bounty doesn't stop there.
Aside from Sonny's cash prize, Gerber is matching that with a $25,000 donation to support March of Dimes' maternal and infant health programs.
Additionally, Gerber is giving $5,000 to M.A.N.C.A.V.E., a community fatherhood program diligently supported by Akil Sr. The program, which stands for "Men All Need to Be Caring, Actively Engaged, Vested, and Encouraged," is created by the City of Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Urban League, and My Brother's Keeper.
Akil Sr. has found great value in this program, where fathers at colorful stages of parenting partake in their experiences and support each other. He noted that there are always a ton of new mama groups out there, but he realized there weren't numerous groups for new fathers. At that time, he clearly demanded support.
Sonny's selection as the 2024 Gerber Baby is a celebration not only of his radiant smile and joyous spirit but also of the supportive community and loving family that nurture him.
As the newest Gerber baby, Sonny will undoubtedly continue to spread joy and love, embodying the spirit of growth and happiness that Gerber cherishes.
