For Immediate Release:
September 19, 2025
Contact: Evan Owens, eowens@omc.com
New Transformational Nonprofit Youth Center Coming Soon to Los Angeles
Lulu’s Place Founder Shares Vision for LA Youth, Sports and Philanthropy at USC Summit
Los Angeles, CA – Yesterday, Doug Kimmelman, founder of Lulu’s Place, a 34-acre philanthropic campus set to open in mid-2027, participated in a panel at the USC Center on Philanthropy & Public Policy Sports, Community and Philanthropy Summit. The discussion included the challenges they have overcome to build a state-of-the-art facility in Los Angeles and the transformative power of sports and philanthropy in empowering young people.
“Yesterday, I was honored to join a group of incredible innovators who believe in the power of investing in youth sports and education. My wife, Carol, was passionate about children having the opportunity to learn important life lessons both in the classroom and on the tennis court or sports field, and together, we are working to making her dream a reality at Lulu’s Place,” said Doug Kimmelman, founder of Lulu’s Place.
Surrounded by exceptional leaders who are making Los Angeles the destination for top sporting events that leave a lasting impact on neighboring communities, Doug shared insights on how sports and philanthropy intersect to support under-resourced students and families. By pairing athletics with educational opportunities, Lulu’s Place will help youth develop, improve social skills, and prepare for their futures.
“Lulu’s Place will be a transformational space for many young people in our underserved communities. In its design and programming, there clearly is a deep understanding of the correlation between athletic participation and academic success. Los Angeles is very grateful to Doug and his family for their vision and perseverance in making Lulu’s place a reality,” said Bob Graziano, Chair, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission.
Lulu’s Place, a $170 million academic and athletic facility entirely funded through private donations, will offer programs that foster education, physical activity and personal growth. Through partnerships with nationally-recognized organizations, Lulu’s Place will provide opportunities that prepare children for success both on and off the court.
About Lulu’s Place
Lulu’s Place will offer state-of-the-art facilities in Los Angeles, near LAX airport, that bring together academic, athletic, and wellness programs at little or no cost to under-resourced youth and families. Trusted partners, including TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods charity; the USTA and its charitable arm USTA Foundation; Winward Academy; Cedars-Sinai; and Providence will bring professional teachers, coaches, mentors, and service providers to deliver high-quality programs to children and their families.
The vision for this monumental project is rooted in the passion and generosity of Carol “Lulu” Kimmelman, a Southern California native, former public elementary school teacher and lifelong tennis player who passed away in 2017 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Today, her husband, Doug Kimmelman, and their four children are honoring her legacy by advancing her mission to transform the lives of young people, creating greater equity in sports and education through this groundbreaking youth center.
For more information, visit www.lulusplace.org