Gap Searches for the Next Faces of GapKids and BabyGap

SAN FRANCISCO, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Does your baby's giggle light up the room? Does your toddler say the cutest things? Does your child like to be a big helper? GapKids and babyGap clothes are brighter than ever as Gap begins its coast-to-coast search today for the brightest babies (ages four and under) and kids (ages five to 12) with its sixth annual North American Casting Call contest. 

This year, as part of the submission process, Gap is asking parents to upload a photo of their child as well as a brief description of how their child brightens up the world. Being "bright" can mean anything—from a simple smile that brings joy to someone's day to a community service project that makes a difference.  

"Casting Call is one of our favorite programs. It's a unique and meaningful way for us to engage with our customers, and we enjoy seeing the millions of children who embody the optimistic spirit of Gap," said Art Peck, president of Gap North America. "For this year's Casting Call, we want to go beyond the photo to learn more about who these children are and how they're connecting with the world around them."

How It Works

Entry Phase:
From April 2-22, 2012, parents can upload up to five photos of their baby (ages four and under) or kid (ages five to 12) and answer a brief question about how their child brightens up the world. Submissions are accepted at www.gap.com/castingcall, Gap's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/gap, or via the Gap Casting Call app available for iPhone and Android. 

Finalist Phase:
After the entry phase closes, a panel of Gap judges will narrow down the field of submissions to 20 finalists—10 babies/toddlers (five girls and five boys) for babyGap and 10 kids (five girls and five boys) for GapKids. The 20 finalists will be flown to either New York or California to participate in an official photo shoot where they'll wear iconic Gap pieces including 1969 denim. Each finalist will also receive a $500 Gap GiftCard.

Voting Phase:
On May 21, 2012, the 20 finalists will be unveiled and then it will be up to North America to decide the next faces of GapKids and babyGap. Voters can vote once a day every day through May 25, 2012 for one boy and one girl in the babyGap category and one boy and one girl in the GapKids category. The finalist in each category who receives the most votes will be named the winner of that category for a total of four winners. Voting takes place at www.gap.com/castingcall, Gap's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/gap, or via the Gap Casting Call app for iPhone or Android. 

Winner Phase:
Around July 30, 2012, the four winners will be unveiled at www.gap.com/castingcall and will be featured in a Gap marketing campaign. Each winner will receive a $1,000 Gap GiftCard as well as a $10,000 grant in their name from Gap to Communities In Schools, a non-profit that surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Nationwide, Communities In Schools partners with nearly 3,000 public schools, assisting 1.25 million students and their families. Visit http://www.communitiesinschools.org/ for more information.

Visit www.gap.com/castingcall for official contest and sweepstakes rules and information.

About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta brands. Fiscal year 2011 net sales were $14.5 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in over 90 countries worldwide through about 3,000 company-operated stores, about 200 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

SOURCE Gap Inc.