Coco Gauff Donates $50,000 to Hometown Park: “I Grew Up Here”
Tennis star Coco Gauff is making waves beyond the court—this time through a heartfelt act of generosity toward her roots.
On April 9, the 21-year-old World No. 3 announced a $50,000 donation to Delray Beach Parks & Recreation, the city where her tennis journey began. The contribution, made in partnership with General Mills and Wheaties, was revealed through a social media campaign spotlighting Gauff’s deep personal connection to the cause.
“Hi guys, it’s Coco,” she shared in a video on Wheaties’ Instagram. “I’m super honored to be on the Wheaties box—following in the footsteps of Billie Jean King—and I’m proud to say General Mills and I are donating $50,000 to Delray Beach Parks & Recreation. I grew up playing on public tennis courts here in Delray.”
Gauff’s roots in Delray Beach, Florida, are central to her story. It was at Pompey Park that she trained as a young player under the guidance of her father. The park is also home to baseball fields named after her grandfather, Eddie ‘Red’ Odom, a respected local civil rights leader.
This donation is the latest in Gauff’s ongoing efforts to give back. In recent years, she’s launched educational programs during Black History Month, designed sneakers inspired by her childhood, and now, she’s using her platform to invest in future generations of athletes.
“I want to give back and give young kids the opportunity to pursue whatever sport they love,” Gauff said in a recent interview.
The announcement also comes as Gauff steps into a new chapter in her professional life. Having recently parted ways with her longtime agency, she has launched Coco Gauff Enterprises, a management firm backed by WME Sports, allowing her to take more control over her brand and business ventures.
“I’m excited to build something that allows me to take greater ownership of my career while creating opportunities beyond myself,” she posted on social media.
Whether gracing the cover of a Wheaties box or center court at a Grand Slam, Coco Gauff continues to inspire—leading with talent, heart, and purpose.
