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.”…
In an announcement that stunned the sports world and inspired communities across the nation, Jesse and Emily Cole, the visionary owners of the Savannah Bananas baseball team, revealed that they are donating the entirety of their $12.9 million in bonuses and sponsorship earnings to build new support centers for the homeless.
The funds, according to the couple, will be used to establish facilities in Chicago, Illinois, and Rancho Cucamonga, California, two cities with distinctly different climates but equally pressing needs when it comes to housing insecurity. The initiative aims to create 150 permanent housing units alongside 300 temporary shelter beds, offering immediate relief as well as long-term solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
A Deeply Personal Mission
During an emotional press conference, Jesse and Emily Cole explained their motivation. Standing side by side, the couple spoke candidly about the challenges they have witnessed firsthand.
“I have seen people struggling just to survive the harsh winters in the United States without a roof over their heads,” Jesse Cole said. “It is something that has stayed with me for years. I promised myself that if I was ever in a position to help in a meaningful way, I would step up. No one should ever have to sleep outside in that kind of cold.”
Emily Cole added that this project was about much more than shelter. “Our goal is to provide a place where people feel safe, supported, and given the chance to rebuild their lives. It’s not just about a bed—it’s about hope, dignity, and community.”
More Than Shelter: A Comprehensive Support System
The facilities, which will break ground in 2026, are designed to serve as more than just emergency shelters. Plans call for wraparound services including counseling, addiction recovery programs, job readiness workshops, and transitional housing opportunities. The Coles emphasized that the goal is to provide pathways out of homelessness, not simply temporary fixes.
Each center will feature community kitchens, medical care access, and resource rooms for job applications and training. Partnerships with nonprofit organizations and local agencies are already in the works to ensure smooth integration with existing services.
Why Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga?
Chicago, known for its frigid winters, is among the cities where the homeless population is most vulnerable. Advocates often highlight the dangerous conditions unhoused individuals face when shelters reach capacity during cold spells. For many, exposure to freezing temperatures can be life-threatening.
Rancho Cucamonga, while not facing the same winter extremes, is battling a different crisis: soaring housing costs. Families and working individuals are increasingly priced out of the market, leading to a rise in homelessness. By targeting these two cities, the Coles are tackling both the environmental and economic sides of the crisis.
Praise From Community Leaders
Local officials and nonprofit leaders applauded the Coles’ announcement, calling it a rare and impactful example of private philanthropy addressing a systemic challenge.
“What Jesse and Emily Cole are doing is nothing short of transformative,” said a Chicago alderman in attendance. “This is not just a donation—it’s an investment in human lives, in dignity, and in the future of our communities.”
A Rancho Cucamonga city representative echoed the sentiment, noting that the project will help relieve pressure on overstretched local services. “It takes courage and vision to commit resources at this scale. The Coles are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.”
From Baseball Entertainment to Humanitarian Impact
The Savannah Bananas have become a household name in recent years thanks to their unique brand of “Banana Ball,” which combines competitive play with entertainment that delights fans of all ages. The team has sold out stadiums across the country and attracted major sponsorships.
Rather than channel their $12.9 million in recent bonuses and sponsorship revenue into expanding their business empire, the Coles decided to dedicate it entirely to a cause they described as “bigger than baseball.”
“Baseball has given us so much—joy, community, and purpose,” Emily Cole said. “But success only matters if you use it to help others. This project is our way of saying thank you and making sure that what we’ve built has an impact beyond the ballpark.”
Long-Term Commitment
Beyond the initial donation, Jesse and Emily Cole also announced the creation of a foundation that will manage the centers and secure additional funding for their sustainability. The foundation will seek partnerships with corporations, philanthropists, and civic organizations to ensure that the facilities not only open but thrive for years to come.
“We don’t want this to be a one-time gesture,” Jesse explained. “This is the start of something we intend to grow. Every person deserves stability, and we want to build a model that can be replicated in other cities across the country.”
A New Standard for Sports Philanthropy
Sports teams and athletes have long been involved in charitable efforts, but observers note that the Coles’ gesture stands out because of its scale and focus. Few have dedicated their entire financial windfall to one of the nation’s toughest social issues.
Advocates hope that this move will inspire others in professional sports and entertainment to follow suit. “If more leaders committed themselves in this way, imagine the ripple effect,” said one nonprofit director. “The Coles are not just helping two cities—they are changing the conversation.”
A Home Run Beyond the Field
As word of the donation spread, fans and supporters flooded social media with praise, calling the couple’s action “a grand slam for humanity” and “the true spirit of leadership.”
For Jesse and Emily Cole, however, the focus remains on the people who will soon walk through the doors of the centers. “Every unit, every bed, every service we provide means someone will no longer be left out in the cold,” Jesse said. “That’s worth more than any bonus we could ever receive.”
The Savannah Bananas may be famous for rewriting the rules of baseball entertainment, but with this bold initiative, their owners are now rewriting the rules of philanthropy—proving that compassion, vision, and action can create lasting change.
