BREAKING NEWS: Savannah Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum Donates Entire \$2.9 Million Bonus and Endorsement Deal to Charity
Savannah, GA — In an inspiring display of generosity and leadership, Savannah Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum has donated the entirety of his recent \$2.9 million bonus and endorsement contract to charities focused on youth programs, mental health, and homelessness support.
Gillum, who has become a national figure through the wildly popular Banana Ball movement, made the announcement Tuesday during a press conference at Grayson Stadium. “This game has given me so much,” Gillum said. “It’s time I give something back—not just to baseball, but to the people who need it most.”
The donation will be split among several nonprofits, including *Back on My Feet*, *Covenant House*, and *The Trevor Project*, as well as local Savannah shelters and community programs. A portion of the funds will also go toward establishing the “Banana Belief Foundation,” a new initiative aimed at providing mentorship, mental health resources, and housing support for underserved youth.
Gillum’s decision has sparked widespread praise across the sports world and beyond. Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas, called the move “an extraordinary act of heart and humility,” adding, “Tyler doesn’t just teach our players how to be better athletes—he shows them how to be better people.”
Fans flooded social media with messages of support, with #GillumGivesBack trending within hours. Many noted that the gesture perfectly reflects the values of the Bananas organization: fun, community, and purpose.
When asked what inspired the donation, Gillum responded simply: “Legacy isn’t about what you take—it’s about what you leave behind.”
With this move, Gillum has left an indelible mark—not just on baseball, but on humanity.
