'Always Smiling' Oak Forest Boy Vying For $25K Baby Of The Year Title, Spot In National Ad Campaign

OAK FOREST, IL — An Oak Forest boy is in the running for a Baby of the Year title, a $25,000 prize and a starring spot in a national ad campaign.

Celebrity Jessica Alba's Colossal Baby of the Year contest seeks to shine the spotlight on one lucky baby in a national ad campaign with The Honest Company. The chosen tot will also receive a $25,000 prize and be celebrated in the pages of Variety Magazine. Alba is an ambassador for the contest, along with Paris Hilton and Jenna Dewan.

Jace Doyle, 6 months, is currently ranked 2nd in his group, with this round of voting set to end Oct. 8. He needs to finish top in her group to advance to the next round. You can vote for him here.

Jace's mom Samantha Crowley said she's hopeful he can win so the money can be saved toward his future. He is an only child, born to Crowley and father Lamont Doyle.

"It would just be amazing if he could have this opportunity," Crowley said, "especially just to have money for his future."

In describing her son in his entry, Crowley said he has "been smiling since the day he was born, and that little smile has been lighting up our lives ever since.

"He is the happiest, sweetest, most joyful little boy with a personality that shines brighter every day. He loves to smile at everyone, laugh, cuddle, and take in the world around him. His smile is completely contagious, and everywhere we go, he manages to make people smile right back. He truly brings happiness wherever he goes."

Crowley said she was thrilled to see her baby advance out of the top 40 and into the current round, with hopes the community's support can send him through to the next.

Supporters can cast one free daily vote every 24 hours, or make a donation to cast multiple. Funds raised help raise critical support for Baby2Baby, a national non-profit providing diapers, formula, clothing, and basic necessities to children in need across all 50 states. Over its first two years, the competition generated more than $45 million in grants for Baby2Baby.

"Jace loves being talked to, smiling, playing with his toys, kicking and wiggling, looking around at everything, and spending time with the people he loves most," his mother described. "He especially loves tummy time, being cuddled, laughing and making little noises, and going on adventures with Mom and Dad. He’s happiest when he’s being included in whatever is going on around him!"

Crowley said that if Jace wins, the money would be put into a savings account for him.

"Winning $25,000 would be such an incredible blessing for Jace," she said in his entry. "We would put the money toward his future, starting a savings account for him and helping cover the many expenses that come with raising a growing baby. We would also use some of it to create special memories together—experiences, adventures, and things he can enjoy as he grows."

This round of voting ends Thursday, Oct. 8 at 9 p.m. Central. Jace needs to finish #1 in his group to advance to the quarterfinals. Vote for Jace here!