About LACE UP Foundation Inc.

Founded in 2016 by Brooke Thomas with just $100 from a college refund check, LACE UP Foundation Inc. has grown from a local movement into a statewide catalyst for youth development. Brooke turned that initial $100 into $3,000 over a single three-day tournament weekend, sparking a decade of impact that includes providing bookbags, supplies, resources, scholarships, and community events, while also propelling three small businesses to open brick-and-mortar locations through increased visibility. Our "Field to Life" model translates athletic discipline into the professional excellence required for the modern tech and business economy.

The "Field to Life" Blueprint

We believe every young person deserves a "Sanctuary Space", a trauma-informed environment where they can safely navigate adversity. Our mission is to strengthen the mental, emotional, and physical wellness of youth by merging athletics, performance science, and creative self-expression.

Through our signature programs, we empower the next generation to build a "Creative Identity" that translates to the modern workforce. Our founder's own trajectory, from the courts of North Georgia to leadership roles at global giants like Google, Microsoft, Truist, and KPMG, serves as the blueprint for the success we strive to unlock in every participant.

Our Core Pillars:

Athletic Sanctuary: Activating community spaces as hubs for wellness and mentorship.
Creative Identity Studios: Teaching high-demand digital and technical skills to bridge the career gap.
Leadership Academy: Providing a roadmap for 18–25-year-olds to transition into elite professional and creative environments.

The Next Decade of Impact

As we celebrate 10 years of service in Dalton and Whitfield County, we are expanding our reach to Greater Atlanta to launch the LACE UP! Leadership Academy in August 2026. Your support helps us scale our impact, providing the scholarships, apprenticeships, and mentorship necessary to ensure that when our youth decide to "LACE UP," they are prepared to lead in every arena of life.

In everything you do in life, LACE UP!

LACE UP Foundation Inc.

In everything you do, LACE UP!

Past campaigns

LACE UP | Spring Jam '26