BREAKING NEWS: Savannah Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum Donates \$8 Million to Build New Orphanage and Fund Scholarships for Underprivileged Youth
**Savannah, GA –** In a stunning and heartfelt act of generosity, Tyler Gillum, the beloved head coach of the Savannah Bananas, has donated a staggering \$8 million to support the construction of a state-of-the-art orphanage in Savannah, Georgia, and establish a long-term scholarship program for underprivileged children across Chatham County.
The announcement came early Thursday morning during a press conference held at Grayson Stadium, where Coach Gillum stood flanked by local officials, team representatives, and community leaders. The donation is being hailed as one of the largest charitable contributions in Savannah’s recent history by a private individual.
“This city has given me so much—from the support in the stands to the love on the streets,” Gillum said, fighting back emotion. “Now it’s time for me to give back in a way that lasts beyond baseball. Every child deserves a chance, a home, and a future filled with hope.”
### A New Beginning for Many
The new facility, which will be named **The Banana Haven Children’s Home**, is set to be built on a 10-acre property on the outskirts of Savannah. It will feature dormitory-style living quarters, a full-service dining facility, counseling and therapy centers, academic tutoring rooms, and recreational areas. The home is designed to accommodate up to 100 children and will prioritize providing a safe, loving, and empowering environment for those who have lost parents or been displaced.
Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with an expected opening in the fall of 2027.
“This is more than a building—it’s a promise to our children,” said Mayor Van Johnson during the event. “Coach Gillum’s generosity will echo for generations.”
### Empowering Futures Through Education
In addition to funding the orphanage, \$3 million of the donation will go toward the newly launched **Gillum Legacy Scholarship**, a fund aimed at supporting higher education for disadvantaged youth in the region. The scholarship will be available to both residents of Banana Haven and other low-income families in the Savannah area.
According to organizers, the scholarship will offer full tuition, housing, and book coverage for recipients attending public colleges and vocational schools in Georgia. The first round of applications will open in Spring 2026.
“This is how we break cycles of poverty—through education and opportunity,” said Dr. Karen Mullins, superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. “This scholarship will change lives.”
### A Coach Beyond the Game
Coach Tyler Gillum, who has led the Savannah Bananas since 2018, is widely recognized not only for his baseball acumen but also for his deep commitment to community service. Under his leadership, the Bananas have become a viral sensation with their unorthodox and wildly entertaining take on baseball. Yet behind the choreographed dances and electric atmosphere lies a coach with a profound dedication to making a difference off the field.
Players and staff describe Gillum as a mentor, father figure, and relentless optimist.
“He teaches us that it’s not just about what we do on the field—it’s about who we are to the people around us,” said Bananas shortstop Drew Yniesta. “This donation proves that.”
### Community Reaction
The news of Gillum’s donation has sent ripples throughout the Savannah community. Social media has been flooded with praise, stories of his kindness, and calls for other community leaders to follow suit.
Local business owner Tanya Morris summed up the sentiment: “In a world where so much is going wrong, this reminds us that one person with a big heart can still change everything.”
### Looking Ahead
With blueprints already in motion and a clear vision for the future, Coach Gillum hopes others will join the effort—whether through financial support, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
“This isn’t about me,” he said in closing. “It’s about the kids. Let’s give them a home. Let’s give them a future.”
