Even while distinguishing himself as a globe-hopping tennis star, Andre Agassi never strayed from his Las Vegas roots. His love of the city goes beyond the glittering Strip to the gritty, less visible neighborhoods.

Since 1994, the 30-year-old son of a casino host has helped disadvantaged kids in his hometown find ways to grow in sports, the arts and education. His Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation funds projects for children in low-income, troubled areas.

"I'm very motivated to help them because they represent such honest innocence," says Agassi, the winner of six Grand Slam tournaments and the 1996 Olympic gold medal. "It's an impressionable time in life when you're young. Direction and opportunity and hope are key parts of the future."

Even by age 20, Agassi wanted to put his wealth and celebrity to good use. He formalized his charitable plans three years later with longtime friend Perry Rogers, who is also his attorney and the foundation's president. "Andre started talking about the fact he wanted to do something more in his life than play tennis," Roger recalls. "He said, "I want to give kids an opportunity to make better decisions for themselves."

The foundation began by giving $1.25 million for construction of a new Boys & Girls Club, which opened in 1997. Agassi's vision-fulfilling complex serves 2,000 kids ages five to 17 with tennis courts for Team Agassi (a competitive traveling complete with professional coach), a full-size gym, computer labs, guidance counseling and other activities.

This is just one facility that illustrates Agassi's powers of persuasion. He convinces businesses and celebrity friends to give time and money to his Grand Slam for Children, an event that began in 1995 and features a dinner, auction and concert. Elton John is a regular, and other guests have included Robin Williams and Dennis Miller. Last year the gala raised $3.9 million. After a one-year hiatus, it will return in 2001.

With a $12 million endowment, Agassi's charity funds a range of projects. They include eight fine arts scholarships at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, a charter school that will open in 2001 and a special-needs medical cottage opening in the spring at the Child Haven protective custody center. "We're usually the ones people call when they're looking for funding or looking for help," says director of development Julie Rossetti. "If we can't help, we put people into the hands of someone who can."

Agassi quietly enjoys the fruits of his munificence. When he's home, he tries to work with the tennis team or visit Child Haven's education center, often in unplanned, unadorned appearances. "The children and the smiles on their faces, that's what I consider the icing on the cake," Agassi says. "You get to really reap the benefits of the difference you're making."