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
In a move that is already being hailed as one of the most remarkable philanthropic gestures of the year, Jesse Cole and his wife Emily, the visionary owners behind the Savannah Bananas baseball phenomenon, have pledged their entire $12.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings toward creating hope for the homeless. The couple announced during an emotional press conference that the funds will be dedicated to establishing a series of homeless support centers in Chicago, Illinois, and Rancho Cucamonga, California.
The ambitious project will provide tangible relief to those in need, offering 150 new permanent housing units and 300 shelter beds across the two cities. The initiative is designed not only to provide temporary refuge but also to serve as a stepping stone toward long-term stability, with access to supportive services such as healthcare, job placement, counseling, and rehabilitation programs.
A Personal Mission for the Coles
Speaking with raw emotion, Jesse and Emily Cole explained the motivation behind their decision. “I have witnessed people struggling to survive the harsh winters in the U.S. without a roof over their heads,” Jesse said, pausing as his voice cracked with feeling. “I promised myself that if I ever had the chance, I would step up. No one should have to sleep outside in that kind of cold.”
Emily echoed his sentiment, adding that this initiative is not about charity alone but about restoring dignity. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, a bed to sleep in, and the resources to rebuild their lives,” she said. “We are simply trying to use what we’ve been blessed with to give back.”
The couple, known for bringing joy and entertainment through their innovative approach to baseball, are now extending their influence far beyond the field, demonstrating that their vision of community extends into the lives of people who are often forgotten.
Details of the Project
The centers will be strategically located in Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga, two areas where homelessness remains a critical challenge. Chicago has long struggled with the effects of extreme weather on its unhoused population, while Rancho Cucamonga, part of the broader Southern California region, has faced rising numbers of individuals experiencing homelessness due to housing costs and economic pressures.
Each facility will include safe sleeping quarters, common spaces, dining facilities, and access to medical and psychological care. The housing units will provide stability for families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness, while the shelter beds will ensure immediate relief for those caught in crisis.
Importantly, the Coles have emphasized that these centers will be more than just shelters. They will partner with local nonprofits, community organizations, and city leaders to ensure wraparound services are available. “We want this to be a pathway out of homelessness, not just a place to stay for the night,” Jesse said.
Community Response
The announcement has sparked widespread praise from community leaders, advocacy groups, and fans of the Savannah Bananas alike. Chicago Mayor’s office released a statement expressing gratitude, saying, “The generosity of Jesse and Emily Cole will transform lives in our city. Their investment in humanity will help us address one of the most pressing challenges we face.”
In Rancho Cucamonga, city council members echoed similar appreciation. “This is the kind of bold and compassionate leadership we need,” one council member remarked. “It shows what can happen when people in positions of influence choose to act with empathy and courage.”
Homeless advocacy organizations also applauded the initiative, pointing out that while government funding and programs play a role, private investment from individuals like the Coles can accelerate progress in a meaningful way.
Beyond Baseball
For many, the Coles’ donation is a reminder that their influence has never been limited to sports. The Savannah Bananas, under Jesse’s leadership, have become a national sensation by reimagining baseball as a fan-centered, joy-filled experience. Their viral success has brought smiles and laughter to millions. Now, the Coles are channeling that same energy into changing lives off the field.
Observers note that this act of generosity cements their legacy as more than just innovative team owners—it positions them as philanthropists who see their success as a responsibility to uplift others.
Looking Forward
Construction of the first support center is expected to begin early next year, with the goal of opening doors within 18 months. The Coles have pledged to remain personally involved throughout the process, from design to community engagement, ensuring that the facilities truly meet the needs of those they are intended to serve.
At the press conference’s conclusion, Jesse summarized the heart of the initiative in one simple sentence: “Baseball brings people joy, but this—this brings people hope.”
As the room erupted in applause, it was clear that the couple’s message had struck a chord not just with those present but with countless others who will be inspired by their actions.
Their $12.9 million gift may have begun as a donation, but its impact promises to ripple far beyond the financial figure. It is an investment in compassion, in resilience, and in the belief that communities can only thrive when no one is left behind.
The Savannah Bananas may be known for rewriting the rules of the game, but with this act of kindness, Jesse and Emily Cole are helping to rewrite the rules of giving—proving that true champions are measured not by their wins, but by the lives they touch.
