BREAKING NEWS: Savannah Bananas Owners Jesse and Emily Cole has donated his entire $12.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings to build a series of homeless support centers in Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga, United States. The initiative will help create 150 housing units and 300 shelter beds for those in need. “I have witnessed people struggling to survive the harsh winters in U.S without a roof over their heads, and I promised myself that if I ever had the chance, I would step up,” Jesse and Emily Cole said emotionally at the press conference. “No one should have to sleep outside in that kind of cold.”…See more
Savannah Bananas Owners Donate $12.9 Million to Support Homeless Communities in Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga
In a remarkable act of generosity, Jesse and Emily Cole, the owners of the Savannah Bananas, have pledged their entire $12.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings toward the construction of new homeless support centers in the United States. The announcement, made during an emotional press conference, marks one of the most significant charitable moves ever associated with the popular baseball entertainment team.
The donation will fund the development of centers in two cities — Chicago, Illinois, and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Collectively, the facilities are expected to provide 150 permanent housing units and 300 emergency shelter beds, offering a lifeline to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The initiative also includes plans for job training programs, access to healthcare, counseling services, and community reintegration support.
Speaking with visible emotion, Jesse Cole explained the driving force behind the decision. “I have witnessed people struggling to survive the harsh winters in the U.S. without a roof over their heads, and I promised myself that if I ever had the chance, I would step up,” he said. “No one should have to sleep outside in that kind of cold. This is about dignity, safety, and hope.” His wife, Emily, echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the couple’s shared belief that business success should be used as a platform to uplift those in need.
The announcement has been met with widespread praise from both local officials and national organizations tackling the homelessness crisis. In Chicago, where freezing temperatures often place the unhoused population at grave risk, leaders described the initiative as “a game-changer.” The Windy City has long struggled with providing enough beds during the winter months, and this donation is expected to significantly reduce the gap. Rancho Cucamonga officials also welcomed the development, pointing out that California continues to face the largest homeless population in the country.
Advocacy groups have highlighted the Coles’ commitment as a model for other high-profile figures. “This is what responsible leadership looks like,” said a spokesperson from the National Coalition for the Homeless. “It is rare to see individuals in entertainment and sports reinvesting so much of their success into solving real, pressing issues. The Coles are proving that community impact matters just as much as business growth.”
Beyond just providing shelter, the centers will also focus on long-term solutions. Plans include educational workshops, skills development initiatives, and partnerships with local employers to create pathways to stability. The Coles have made it clear that their vision is not limited to temporary fixes but is centered on building lasting change for the individuals who walk through the doors of these facilities.
The Savannah Bananas, already known for rewriting the rules of baseball entertainment with their fun-first approach and viral performances, now find themselves in the spotlight for something much larger than the game. Fans of the team have flooded social media with support, applauding the owners for aligning their values with the spirit of community that has long been associated with the Bananas brand. Many noted that the Coles’ gift embodies the team’s mission of spreading joy and making a positive difference in people’s lives, both on and off the field.
The couple’s generosity also raises broader questions about how the sports and entertainment industries can contribute to addressing systemic social issues. While philanthropy is not new in professional sports, rarely does it come at such a scale or involve giving away an entire year’s bonus earnings. “It shows that success is not just about personal gain,” one fan commented online. “It’s about using what you’ve earned to make sure others can live with dignity.”
Construction on the two support centers is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion projected by the end of 2027. Both facilities will be built in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations, ensuring that resources are distributed effectively and that the programs meet the specific needs of each community.
Jesse and Emily Cole closed the press conference with a powerful message: “We believe that everyone deserves a chance to feel safe, cared for, and supported. Baseball has given us a platform, but it’s moments like this that remind us of our real purpose. We’re building more than housing; we’re building hope.”
As word of the donation spreads, the Coles’ decision is already being hailed as one of the most impactful philanthropic gestures in recent memory. For many, it stands as proof that bold, compassionate leadership can inspire meaningful change — not just for a team or a city, but for communities across the nation.
