The 2025 Baby2Baby Gala, presented by Paul Mitchell, is set to host rapper, actor, and philanthropist Ludacris as its performer. The prestigious event will take place on Saturday, November 8, in Los Angeles, and will be a significant occasion to honor tennis legend Serena Williams with the esteemed Giving Tree Award.

The Giving Tree Award is annually bestowed upon a public figure who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of children in need. Serena Williams joins a distinguished list of past honorees, which includes Charlize Theron, Salma Hayek Pinault, Kim Kardashian, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, Amy Adams, Drew Barrymore, Chrissy Teigen, and Vanessa Bryant, recognizing her profound dedication to this critical cause.

Baby2Baby, the beneficiary of the gala, is a national nonprofit organization committed to providing critical items such as diapers, formula, and clothing to children in need across the United States. Over the past 14 years, Baby2Baby has made a monumental impact, distributing more than 500 million essential items. The organization's reach extends to disaster relief, with its Disaster Relief & Emergency Response Program having responded to the needs of children in over 100 disaster situations. Furthermore, this year, Baby2Baby announced a significant expansion of its initiative to combat the maternal health crisis, extending its efforts to 15 states.

Ludacris, whose real name is Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, brings a multifaceted talent to the gala. His musical career boasts impressive achievements, including five No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, two of which he led: “Money Maker” (featuring Pharrell) and “Stand Up” (featuring Shawnna). He has also landed four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and is a three-time Grammy Award winner, notably for Best Rap Album for 'Release Therapy.' Beyond music, Bridges has carved out a successful acting career, famously portraying Tej in the Fast & Furious franchise, beginning with 2003’s '2 Fast 2 Furious.'

As a devoted father of four girls, Ludacris's philanthropic efforts are deeply rooted in his personal experiences. His recent ventures include the launch of KidNation, an educational platform dedicated to the enrichment of children, and the creation of the animated Netflix series 'KARMA’S WORLD,' which is currently awaiting its fifth season. These initiatives underscore his commitment to children's welfare, aligning perfectly with the mission of the Baby2Baby Gala. Past performers at the event have included notable artists such as 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Nelly, and last year’s gala successfully raised a record $17 million in support of Baby2Baby’s vital mission.