GOOD NEWS: Jesse and Emily Cole Donate \$12.9 Million to Build Homeless Support Centers
In a remarkable display of generosity and social responsibility, Jesse and Emily Cole, the visionary owners of the Savannah Bananas, have announced they will be donating their entire recent bonus and sponsorship earnings—an astounding \$12.9 million—to help address homelessness in the United States. The funds will be directed toward the construction of two state-of-the-art homeless support centers, one in Chicago, Illinois, and another in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
The announcement comes at a time when homelessness continues to be a pressing issue across the nation. Both centers will provide far more than shelter—they are designed to be comprehensive hubs of care. Planned features include permanent housing units, transitional shelter beds, job training facilities, mental health and medical services, and family support programs aimed at helping individuals achieve long-term stability.
For the Coles, who have built the Savannah Bananas into a cultural phenomenon with their revolutionary “Banana Ball” and fan-first approach, the decision reflects their belief that sports should serve a greater purpose beyond entertainment. “We’ve been blessed with an incredible community of fans and partners who’ve supported us,” said Jesse Cole. “This is our way of paying it forward—of using baseball’s joy to make a difference where it’s needed most.”
The centers are expected to break ground in early 2026, with completion timelines projected within two years. Local officials in both Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga have praised the initiative, noting that the Coles’ donation will not only provide vital resources but also inspire others to contribute.
With this bold move, the Savannah Bananas’ owners have extended their impact far beyond the ballpark—proving that their commitment to community, creativity, and compassion is as limitless as the joy they bring to fans around the world.
