(Cleveland)- Cleveland’s own Cabbage Patch Kids has been inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame. Margaret McLean, Director of Corporate Communications for Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland said the announcement was made Friday on the Good Morning America program!
The National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong National Museum was established in 1998, to honor toys annually that have inspired decades of children and adults.
Each year people are asked to vote for their favorite. The three toys that received the most public votes were submitted on one ballot and joined the other top three submissions from members of a National Selection Advisory Committee.
Chris Bensch, VP of collections and chief curator at The Strong Museum made the announcement Friday.
In addition to the Cabbage Patch Kids, the Fisher-Price Corn Popper, baseball cards, and Nerf toys were selected for this year’s induction into The Strong’s Toy Hall of Fame.
McLean said, “ We’re thrilled’, and want to thank all those in the area who voted for the kids for this honor.
Celebrating their 40th Birthday, The Cabbage Patch Kids Brand made history in 1983 and goes on record as the most successful new doll in the history of the Toy Industry.
Artist, entrepreneur, and creator Xavier Roberts said, “It was a special honor that the Kids have been
inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame. The Strong Museum understands the importance of play as a way to
share love unconditionally, individuality, multicultural play, and the celebration of being one-of-a-kind.
These cornerstones are so important to the imagination and compassion in a child’s development through
role-playing.”
“I want to especially thank all the local people who supported me in the very beginning — without them Cabbage Patch Kids never would have become the international success it is today,” Roberts said.