DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Variety's Baby of the Year contest is underway, and a local mother has entered her 8-month-old daughter. She is now a top runner in the quarterfinals for the competition, and is one step closer to winning $25,000.
The Baby of the Year contest supports Baby2Baby, a national nonprofit that provides basic essentials to over one million children in need each year.
Makia Ellzey is a single mother to 8-month-old Meara and 8-year-old AaShi, and she says she entered Meara in the competition on a whim and is so proud by how far her baby girl has gone.
"We went through the top 10, we went through the top five. And by the time we got there, I'm like, 'Oh my God, Meme, what if you actually win this? Let's see how far we can actually get.'" Ellzey said.
Ellzey said the prize would make a huge difference for her family.
"I want a future for my kids, and I want them to grow up and see the finer things because there's more to life than just Decatur," Ellzey said.
However, she said the biggest prize will always be her girls.
"This is my blessing. She is baby of the year to me. And even if we don't win, she still baby of the year in my eyes." Ellzey said.
You can vote for Meara on the Baby of the Year website.
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