Serena Williams Gets Honored With 'Giving Tree Award' at the 2025 Baby2Baby Gala

The tennis legend was honored with a prestigious award at the 2025 Baby2Baby Gala in West Hollywood on Friday, recognizing her ongoing work in maternal health advocacy and her support for children and families.

On November 8, 2025, Serena Williams made a striking entrance at the gala, taking center stage to receive the "Giving Tree Award" from Paul Mitchell. The moment celebrated both her poise and the purpose she champions beyond the court.

Serena Williams attends the 2025 Baby2Baby Gala Presented By Paul Mitchell at Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California on November 8. | Source: Getty Images

A Celebration of Purpose and Power

Held at the Pacific Design Center, the star-studded fundraiser recognized individuals who use their platforms to uplift vulnerable communities. At 43, Williams stunned in an off-the-shoulder gown that fused bold black with a soft blush neckline, balancing strength and softness.

Serena Williams exudes confidence in her gown at the event. | Source: Getty Images

Her honey-blonde waves framed her glowing complexion, and a muted nude lip paired with softly defined eyes completed a look that radiated elegance and quiet confidence. From the flowing fabric to her poised posture, every detail reflected a woman comfortable in her power and presence.

Serena Williams stands tall with her posture radiating quiet poise at the gala. | Source: Getty Images

Honoring Advocacy and Sparking Curiosity

The award spotlighted Williams's commitment to empowering mothers and inspiring future generations. Yet while her achievements were center stage, the internet zeroed in on one small — but noticeable — detail. Photos and a video clip from the night revealed a patch on the tennis legend's right arm, igniting a flurry of speculation across social media.

Serena Williams at 2025 Baby2Baby gala. | Source: Getty Images

One Instagrammer asked, "What's the patch?" while another wrote, "She [sic] making sure we see her weight loss patch 😏." A third chimed in, "What's with the patch on her right arm? 😳😳" Others grew concerned, asking, "Is she okay?" and remarking, "She looks very uncomfortable."

The patch on Serena Williams's right arm has the internet raving. | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Redditors debated her fashion choices, commenting on the dress, jewelry, and hair tone, with one writing, "Beautiful dress and the jewelry is perfect. The hair seems to have a gray undertone that I'm not the biggest fan of."

Another added, "1000%. The dress is amazing on her, no notes on that. It's the shade of blonde I think is too cool toned for her and I think it washes out the blush pink on the dress [sic]." Amid the online buzz, Williams refocused attention on the night's true purpose.

A Personal Milestone Shared Online

She shared her gratitude on Instagram, reflecting on the importance of the cause:

Williams shared another glimpse of the evening with friends, noting the photographers, "@baby2baby Photo Credit: @gettyimages / Michael Kovac / Stefanie Keenan / Araya Doheny."

Serena Williams, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Co-CEO, Baby2Baby, Norah Weinstein, Co-CEO, Baby2Baby and others attend the 2025 gala held at the Pacific Design Center. | Source: Getty Images

Baby2Baby celebrated her impact, emphasizing the meaningful difference she makes through her support of children and families, as well as her advocacy for maternal health.

A Transparent Health Journey

The public's curiosity about the patch on her arm may be tied to recent revelations about Williams' personal health journey. In August 2025, Williams spoke with People and Vogue about using a GLP-1 medication to support weight management, resulting in a weight loss of over 31 pounds.

Serena Williams reacts to a point against Danka Kovinic in the US Open first round in New York City on August 29, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

"I feel great," she told People. "I feel really good and healthy. I feel light physically and light mentally." Her challenges began after she became a mother to her first daughter, Alexis Olympia, in 2017. Despite a disciplined diet and rigorous fitness routine, Williams struggled as her body resisted returning to its former athletic shape.

The struggle, she explained, was deeply personal. As someone who had built her success on relentless effort and discipline, encountering a wall she couldn't break through felt foreign — and disheartening.

Breaking Stigmas, Embracing Openness

"My whole life is being in the gym, working out, running, training, HIIT training, dancing, every single thing you can think of," she said. "I would always get to a certain point on the scale, but I could never get below that. That's when I decided that it was time to try something different and got on the GLP-1 with Ro."

She has since embraced open conversations about body image and health, especially as a mother of two daughters. Williams views honesty as a cornerstone of her parenting, fostering trust through transparency.

Moreover, she has become a vocal advocate for removing the stigma surrounding weight-loss medications. Her choice, she emphasizes, was about reclaiming wellness, not vanity.

Serena Williams plays against Laura Siegemund in the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne on February 8, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

As the evening drew to a close, Williams's presence at the Baby2Baby gala reinforced what many have long believed: her influence extends far beyond tennis. The nonprofit honored not just her athletic achievements but also her dedication to using her platform to empower others with empathy, courage, and honesty.