Tiny philanthropist: Competition celebrates babies while supporting a good cause.

There is something magical about the way a baby’s smile can brighten the day, even to the grumpiest of grumps. And when that sweetness is tied to a movement of kindness and giving, it becomes even more beautiful.

The cuteness meter is about to go off the charts as the annual Baby of the Year is underway, and local cutie Oliver Harper is well on his way as he and dozens of the country's most adorable infants will compete for the coveted title of Baby of the Year, a shot at a $25,000 prize—and the opportunity to make a difference along the way.

“Well, we think he’s the baby of the year. We love him to bits,” says Oliver’s mother Julie. She says that it worth a shot. “We were like, we never win anything, but I though it’s worth a try.”

Little Oliver is currently in third place in his group.

Harper and her husband moved up to Alaska two years ago, and are eager to carve out their piece of the Alaskan dream. If they were to win, she says the money, along with what they have been able to save, would get them one step closer. “We just dropped everything and came up here and went on an adventure…we love it!”

Not long after, Oliver came along, and as mom describes him, “has the cutest blonde curly hair.”

She says he also loves being outdoors, and never seems to get cold. He’s just having the best time.” Harper says the 15-month-old is also thoughtful and inquisitive, but more than that, “he just loves to laugh. It’s just contagious.”

Harper says the experience has been incredibly meaningful for her family, as they and friends from around the world rally to support Oliver— many who haven’t even had the opportunity to meet him yet since he was born after they moved to Alaska in 2023.

But it is also about the cause. This isn’t your typical baby pageant or contest. The nationwide Baby of the Year competition, sponsored Colossal, is also a campaign to raise funds and awareness for Baby2Baby a non-profit that provides diapers, clothing, and the basic essentials to children living in poverty, basic necessities that every child deserves. Over the past 13 years, they have distributed more than 450 million items across the United States. Harper knows that for many families, it is not an option to stay home or have the things they need.

“One thing that really appealed to me was the idea that they provide diapers, food, formula for families in need,” said Harper, who explains that people who want to participate and vote can do so for free, but also have the option to make a donation while they vote. “I really loved what they’re going for, raising money to provide for families in need, and that’s always been in my heart.”

The competition is done in stages, as each little one is randomly assigned a group at the start of the contest. Once entered, babies advance through a friendly tournament-style competition powered by votes from supporters. Everyone can cast one free vote every 24 hours, and additional votes by donation can be cast to support Baby2Baby. It’s part developing your baby’s cheer squad and part feel-good fundraiser.

Harper happily reports that Oliver is currently third in his group so far.

It is that spirit of connection, kindness, and collective giving that makes Baby of the Year so special.

“To be able to do a competition like this with Oliver, and something that also brings a gift to other families around the nation is really cool.”

To vote for little Oliver and represent Alaska, you can visit http://babyoftheyear.org/2025/oliver-a65e

To learn more about Baby2Baby, please visit www.baby2baby.org