Baby Gerber: Company Announced Adorable New Addition To The Family

Early childhood nutrition leader Gerber announced an adorable new addition to the Gerber family with the winner of its 10th 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 the photo search contest, 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 a 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 celebrated her first birthday on Saturday, May 9th. 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 a 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."