The Stork looks for a baby

The wise-cracking, lip-smacking Vlasic Stork is looking for a baby.

No, a tot hasn’t gone missing. And, no, storks don’t have lips.

Just the same, the Stork will be visiting a pickle-loving family in May this year to celebrate National Pickle Month.

Vlasic Pickles is in search of a lucky May-born baby who meets the company’s criteria to become the official Vlasic Stork Baby of 2008. The winning baby and family will win a $20,000 U.S. Savings Bond, be officially named Vlasic Stork Baby and receive a year’s supply of Vlasic Pickles.

Entrants e-mail a photo of the new baby, along with name, date of birth, sex, height and weight, and a statement of 50-100 words on “Why My Baby Should Be the Vlasic Stork Baby.”
If the parents want to show their love and dedication to Vlasic Pickles by making his or her middle name, “Crunch,” the savings bond value will be increased to $25,000.

(OK. That part makes us say “Get real.” There’s a fine line between a cool promotion and scarring a child for life.-- ed. )

Some history from Vlasic, regarding its icon:

“Aside from the fact that pickles are known as a common craving among pregnant women, what most people probably don’t know is that the Vlasic Stork became the brand’s spokesperson during a period of low birth rates in the early 1970s,” said Senior Brand Manager Stefan Aps. “Since there were fewer storks delivering babies in America at that time, Vlasic created its own stork to deliver pickles.”

The details: If you are expecting a baby during the month of May, you might just deliver the Vlasic Stork Baby! To enter, click on the “Contests” section of the Vlasic web site. If your baby meets the criteria, you’re set.

Submit your entry with a photo online, or send your entry to: “Vlasic Stork Baby” Contest, c/o BHG PR, 546 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, N.J. 07043.

All entries must be received by May 31, 2008. No purchase is required to win.