East Lake Golf Club stands as a living testament to the vision and leadership of Tom Cousins, whose commitment to purpose-driven impact forever changed the trajectory of our Club, our community, and the role golf can play in creating meaningful social change.
Tom was more than a philanthropist—he was the catalyst behind East Lake’s extraordinary transformation. With the steadfast support of his wife, Ann Cousins, and through the work of the Cousins Foundation, led by his daughter Lillian Giornelli, he championed the restoration of East Lake Golf Club as part of a broader mission: to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. In doing so, he helped create lasting pathways to opportunity and prosperity for generations of East Lake families.
From the beginning, Tom believed this work could only succeed through deep collaboration and a resident-centered approach. He worked closely with Eva Davis, whose leadership helped shape a vision grounded in dignity, equity, and shared opportunity.
This vision led to the creation of the East Lake Foundation and, later, Purpose Built Communities—a national organization that empowers local leaders to revitalize neighborhoods using East Lake’s comprehensive model. Today, that model continues to inspire transformation in communities across the country.
“Golf with a Purpose” is more than a guiding principle at East Lake—it is the foundation of everything we do. Through the full reach of our Club, our platform, and our partnerships, we remain committed to creating opportunity, supporting families, and strengthening communities.
Tom Cousins’ legacy endures in every corner of East Lake. His vision lives on—not only in the Club, but in the lives that continue to be changed because of it.