This year's Cutest Babies Photo Contest raised $5,130 to benefit the Children's Miracle Network at Rapid City Regional Hospital. There were 178 contest entries.

The winner in the birth to age 2 category was Kalaya Saknikent of Rapid City and the runner-up was Drake Krommenhoek of Rapid City. The winner in the age 3 to 5 category was Ethan Kelley of Rapid City. The runner-up was Ayden Prudich of Rapid City.

The number of votes a child received determined the contest winners. Votes were $1 each. Voting took place at the Rushmore Mall from April 19 through May 10.

The first-place winners each received a $150 gift certificate from the Rushmore Mall, $100 cash, a toy basket and a $20 gift certificate from the Rapid City Regional Hospital gift shop. Runners-up in both categories received a $75 gift certificate from the mall, $50 cash, a toy basket and a $10 gift certificate from the gift shop.

"We thank the community, businesses, and event sponsors for generously supporting the Children's Miracle Network. The greatest fundraisers are those in which children can help children," said Angela Kliewer, Rapid City Regional Hospital Foundation director of fundraising services.

The Rapid City Journal, Rushmore Mall, Black Hills FOX, and Magic 93.9 sponsored the event.

Children's Miracle Network is able to purchase medical equipment and fund programs for children's services. One hundred percent of the money raised locally stays within the area to help hospitalized ill and injured children.