BABE of Whitley County announces winners in Cutest Kids Contest

More than $12,000 raised in annual photo contest for Whitley County Families

COLUMBIA CITY — BABE of Whitley County, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing resources and a community for moms and families, raised more than $12,000 in its annual Cutest Kid Contest last week, making this contest the most successful photo contest BABE has held.

“This is the 9th year of the Cutest Kids Contest and the second time we’ve done an online-only contest,” said Laura Tucker, Executive Director of BABE.

Tucker added that this contest was always held

at the Whitley County 4H fair for years. They decided to switch last year to an online contest when faced with new challenges due to COVID-19.

“Finding an online platform to use to make this contest easier for parents and those who vote has been key in our success. It’s made it so easy for parents to share their kid’s entry on Facebook, which helped exposure and helped us get more donations,” said Tucker.

The contest included six age categories and one grand prize winner. One dollar equaled one vote, which means more than 12,000 votes were cast during the week-long contest. All proceeds from this event will help the growing families in Whitley County. BABE provides an incentive program for those who consistently participate in partner programs like doctor’s appointments, parenting classes, and anything that promotes the overall well-being of moms, babies, and children through age 5. This photo contest is one of the ways BABE is community-supported.

The winners of the 2021 BABE Cutest Kids contest are as follows:

Grand Prize Winner: Levi Zion

Son of April King and David Zion

Ages 0 – 1:

1st place: Levi Zion

Son of April King and David Zion

Ages 1 – 2:

1st place: Berkleigh Beard. Daughter of Lyndsey and Jacob Beard

Ages 2 - 3:

1st place: Teagan Wight. Son of Carolynn and Zach Wight

Ages 3 - 4:

1st place: Harper Western. Daughter of Kelsie Pasquale and David Western

Ages 4 - 5:

1st place: Finn Knepple. Son of Alyssa and Mike Knepple

Ages 5 - 6:

1st place: Lucy Knepple. Daughter of Alyssa and Mike Knepple

To learn more about the services provided by BABE of Whitley County, please visit babewc.org.

About Whitley County BABE

BABE of Whitley County is a non-profit organization in Whitley County that serves over 1200 people. BABE provides quality incentives to parents who participate in preventive and prenatal care, including parenting, educational and nutritional classes to promote a healthy pregnancy, healthy birth outcomes, and early childhood development. In exchange for participating in preventive and prenatal care, participants are given a BABE Coupon that can be used to “purchase” diapers, wipes, clothes, strollers, and more at BABE’s store located on Line Street in Columbia City. BABE also hosts various mom groups and activities, and programs to support the families who need it most. Learn more at www. babewc.org.