Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, June 8, 2018
(UNDATED) - The newest Gerber Baby and the original Gerber Baby just met in real life and posed for an adorable photo that’s gone viral.
Michelle Gant of Fox News reports, one-year-old Lucas Warren beat out 140,000 other babies to win the Gerber Baby Photo Search earlier this year, becoming the first child with Down syndrome to be chosen for the title in the contest's 91-year history.
When Warren and his family were visiting Florida recently, they decided it was the perfect opportunity to meet the original Gerber Baby, who lives in Tampa, TODAY reports.
91-year-old Ann Turner Cook became the face of Gerber brand products in 1928 after a family friend submitted a charcoal sketch of her to the company for a contest.
Her image became so synonymous with the brand, Gerber trademarked the drawing of Cook in 1931. Her identity, however, wasn't revealed until the company's 50th anniversary in 1978.
When Warren and Cook met, Warren's parents said the pair connected instantly.
"As soon as we walked into the room, (Cook) and Lucas immediately bonded," parents Cortney and Jason told TODAY. "Lucas walked right up to her, flashing his signature smile and waving, and we could tell he loved her right away."
Cook's grandson, Chris Colin, tweeted a photo of the adorable pair posing together.
"Ann Turner Cook is truly a wonderful woman and pleasure to be around, and we couldn't be more grateful that she took the time to meet with our family," Warren's parents told TODAY.
For winning the Gerber Baby contest, Warren's family received a $50,000 prize and the little boy's face will be featured on all of the company's social media platforms.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.