Serena Williams to Be Honored with Giving Tree Award at 2025 Baby2Baby Gala
Serena Williams, the iconic tennis champion, is set to receive the prestigious Giving Tree Award at this year’s Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell. The award is bestowed annually upon a female public figure who has shown outstanding dedication to enhancing the lives of underprivileged children. Williams is being recognised for her unwavering advocacy in the realm of women’s health, with a particular focus on Black maternal health.
As a 23-time Grand Slam winner and a mother of two, Williams holds the title of the most successful female player of the Open Era and the most decorated WTA player in history. Her significant contributions to both sports and philanthropy have not gone unnoticed, making her a deserving recipient of this esteemed award. The Baby2Baby Gala has previously honoured luminaries such as Charlize Theron and Kim Kardashian.
In a statement, Baby2Baby co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof expressed their pride in celebrating Serena Williams on this momentous occasion. They lauded her relentless efforts to uplift children and families, highlighting her impactful advocacy for maternal health. Williams, known for utilising her platform as an athlete, activist, role model, and mother to support those in need, continues to inspire through her altruistic endeavours.
The tennis star shares her life with daughters Adira, 2, and Olympia, 8, alongside her husband Alexis Ohanian. Building upon a legacy of honouring exceptional women, previous recipients of the Giving Tree Award include Salma Hayek Pinault, Chrissy Teigen, and Gwyneth Paltrow, among others. Baby2Baby, over the last 14 years, has distributed over half a billion essential items to disadvantaged children, encompassing necessities like diapers, formula, and clothing.
The annual Baby2Baby Gala serves as a critical fundraiser for the organisation, supporting their vital mission of aiding children in need. Established in 2007, Baby2Baby has distributed over 250 million diapers to families facing hardship, with their Disaster Relief & Emergency Response programme extending assistance to children impacted by over 100 different disasters. This year’s gala, sponsored by Paul Mitchell, Summer Fridays, Merck for Mothers, and Dave, is scheduled for Saturday, November 8 in Los Angeles.
In addition to celebrating Serena Williams’ remarkable achievements, the event aims to raise awareness and funds for Baby2Baby’s continued efforts in providing essential resources to disadvantaged youth. With a strong legacy of impactful charitable work, Baby2Baby remains committed to addressing the critical needs of vulnerable children and families across the nation.
The upcoming gala promises to be an evening filled with recognition, philanthropy, and advocacy, showcasing the power of collective action in creating positive change for those in need. As supporters rally behind Serena Williams and Baby2Baby, the event symbolises a beacon of hope and solidarity in the ongoing mission to uplift and empower communities facing adversity.