Serena Williams honored with “Giving Tree Award” at Baby2Baby Gala

 

Serena Williams was the honored with the "Giving Tree Award" by non-profit Baby2Baby. | Getty Images for Baby2Baby

Los Angeles, USA - Athlete and entrepreneur Serena Williams was honored last November 8 with the "Giving Tree Award" at the Baby2Baby Gala held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood in California.

 
Baby2Baby honors a public figure who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the lives of children in need with the “Giving Tree Award, with Williams being a longtime champion of maternal health, particularly Black maternal health.

Alicia Keys, who presented the award to her said, “Her lengthy list of professional achievements is only matched by the equally long list of her work to make the world better.”

Williams expressed her gratitude to the organization, Baby2Baby, a non-profit organization that provides children in need with diapers, formula, clothing, and the basic necessities that every child deserves, serving more than one million children across the United States.

“Baby2Baby isn't just doing important work. They're saving lives, they're restoring hope and giving families a chance to survive and a chance to thrive. I am proud to stand with an organization led by women, built by women, and driven by women,”Williams said 

She added, “Baby2Baby is leading this movement and showing us what's possible when compassion needs action.”

The event also served as a fundraising gala that was filled celebrities.

The program kicked off with a special Baby2Baby Gala edition of the famous YouTube show Hot Ones, featuring host Sean Evans and Nobody Wants This actor Adam Brody. 

Olivia Munn and Kerry Washington at the 2025 Baby2Baby Gala | Getty Images

Baby2Baby Angels Olivia Munn and Kerry Washington then welcomed guests and highlighted Baby2Baby’s impactful year-round work. 

“I am so proud to join my fellow Baby2Baby Angel Kerry up here in what has no doubt been the most important year in their history. This year, they provided essentials to the one million children relying on them in foster care, homeless & domestic violence shelters, schools and more – in all 50 states, in 300 cities. They’ve now distributed over half a billion critical items,” said Munn.

Julie Bowen and Malin Akerman at the 2025 Baby2Baby Gala | Getty Images

Baby2Baby board member Julie Bowen and actress Malin Akerman led the fundraising portion of the evening. The duo kept the crowd energized while encouraging donations to help Baby2Baby reach children in need, resulting in a record-breaking over $18 million raised. 

Ludacris performing his biggest hits at the Baby2Baby gala. | Getty Images

 

To cap the evening, a special musical performance by multiplatinum rapper and actor Ludacris rolled out his hits, “All I Do Is Win,” “Stand Up,” and “Yeah!,” “Glamorous,” “How Low Can You Go,” “Shake Your Money Maker” and more to the delight of the crowd.

The 2025 Baby2Baby Gala was presented by title sponsor Paul Mitchell, as well as Summer Fridays, Merck for Mothers and Dave.