Gerber spokesbaby is from Dalton

Lucas Warren, a 1-yearold in Dalton, was named the Gerber 2018 spokesbaby on Wednesday.

With an i nfectious smile, sparkling eyes and a polka-dot bow tie, 18- month- old Lucas is the new face of the iconic American brand. And along the way, he may change how people view those with special needs.

Lucas, who along with his parents Jason and Cortney Warren, live in the Dawnville community, was introduced to the world on NBC’s “Today” show as the “2018 Gerber Spokesbaby.” He is the first toddler with Down syndrome to be picked by the company since it began selecting a yearly winner in 2010.

“We are hoping it does change how people look at children and anyone with special needs,” Jason said during a whirlwind of interviews in New York City.

Cortney said Lucas now has “a platform to spread joy, not only to those he interacts with every day, but to people all over the country.” She hopes this is an opportunity to educate others about people with special needs.

Lucas was chosen from more than 140,000 en- tries and will be used on the company’s social media and advertising platforms. By being selected, the Warrens also receive $50,000 from Gerber, which makes baby food and other nutritional items for children.

Since 1928, the charcoal-sketched baby face has been Gerber’s hallmark. Lucas’ “winning smile and joyful expression won our hearts,” Gerber President and CEO Bill Partyka said. He added that Lucas “is the perfect fit.”