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 a remarkable act of generosity, Savannah Bananas owners Jesse and Emily Cole have announced that they are donating their entire $12.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings to fund the creation of homeless support centers in two major U.S. cities—Chicago, Illinois, and Rancho Cucamonga, California. The initiative, revealed during an emotional press conference on Thursday, will see the development of 150 permanent housing units and 300 shelter beds designed to provide relief, dignity, and opportunity for individuals facing homelessness.
The Coles, who have built the Savannah Bananas into one of the most innovative and beloved baseball franchises in the world, said the decision was deeply personal. Jesse Cole, known for his iconic yellow tuxedo and passionate advocacy for community causes, spoke with tears in his eyes as he addressed reporters.
“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 not just about housing; it’s about restoring hope and providing a foundation for people to rebuild their lives.”
Emily Cole echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that their donation represents more than just a financial contribution—it is a commitment to long-term change. “We want to use our blessings to lift others up,” she said. “Our vision is to create safe, supportive spaces where individuals experiencing homelessness can access not only shelter but also resources like job training, healthcare, and counseling. This is about giving people a chance to dream again.”
The announcement comes at a time when homelessness continues to rise across the United States, particularly in urban centers where affordable housing is scarce. In Chicago alone, an estimated 68,000 people experience homelessness annually, while Rancho Cucamonga and surrounding areas in Southern California have also faced sharp increases in housing insecurity due to rising costs of living.
According to early plans, the Chicago center will focus on winter emergency shelter and transitional housing, while the Rancho Cucamonga facility will serve as a long-term housing and resource hub. Both centers will include onsite healthcare clinics, career readiness programs, and community kitchens to ensure holistic support for residents.
City officials from both regions praised the Coles’ commitment, calling it one of the most impactful private donations toward homelessness in recent years. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson thanked the couple for what he described as “a shining example of how sports leadership can transform into civic leadership.” In Rancho Cucamonga, community leaders said the project would fill a critical gap in services for vulnerable populations.
The Savannah Bananas organization, already known for its charitable outreach, said it would also be launching a new campaign called Bananas for Change, encouraging fans and corporate partners to contribute to homelessness solutions nationwide.
Experts in social services applauded the move, stressing the importance of addressing homelessness with compassion and sustainable solutions. “What Jesse and Emily Cole are doing is extraordinary,” said Dr. Laura McKinney, a housing policy expert. “It’s not just about writing a check—it’s about investing in infrastructure that can change lives for decades to come.”
For Jesse and Emily, however, the initiative is not about recognition but responsibility. “We believe in using our platform to make a difference,” Jesse said. “Baseball has brought us so much joy and opportunity. Now it’s our turn to give that back in the most meaningful way we know how.”
As construction plans begin, the Coles’ announcement is already being hailed as a beacon of hope. In a world where headlines are often filled with division and uncertainty, this act of kindness has shown the power of empathy, vision, and community to spark real change.
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