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. «1 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 with…….
BREAKING NEWS: Jesse and Emily Cole Donate Entire $12.9 Million Earnings to Build Homeless Support Centers in Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga
The Savannah Bananas, known across the nation for revolutionizing the way baseball is experienced, are once again making headlines—but this time, not on the field. Team owners Jesse and Emily Cole have announced an extraordinary philanthropic move: donating Jesse’s entire $12.9 million in bonus and sponsorship earnings to fund the construction of homeless support centers in Chicago, Illinois, and Rancho Cucamonga, California.
The announcement came during an emotional press conference on Sunday, where the couple revealed details of the initiative, which will provide 150 permanent housing units and 300 additional shelter beds for individuals and families facing homelessness. Standing side by side, Jesse and Emily stressed that this commitment was born not out of publicity, but from a deeply personal promise.
“I have witnessed people struggling to survive the harsh winters in the U.S. without a roof over their heads,” Jesse Cole said, his voice breaking with emotion. “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.”
Tackling a Growing Crisis
Homelessness in America remains one of the most pressing social issues, with over 650,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Chicago, with its brutal winters, has long faced challenges in providing adequate shelter and support to unhoused residents. Rancho Cucamonga, while smaller, has also seen rising homelessness in recent years, fueled by economic inequality and a lack of affordable housing.
The Coles’ donation will directly fund the construction of modern support centers in both cities. These facilities will not only offer housing and shelter beds but also provide access to medical care, mental health resources, job placement programs, and family support services. The initiative aims to move beyond temporary relief and focus on long-term solutions that help individuals rebuild their lives.
A Legacy Beyond Baseball
Known for their bold approach to sports entertainment, Jesse and Emily Cole have turned the Savannah Bananas into a cultural phenomenon. Through their creation of “Banana Ball,” they’ve transformed baseball into a high-energy spectacle of fun, music, and showmanship, drawing sellout crowds across the country. Yet, this latest move shows their commitment extends far beyond the diamond.
“This is bigger than baseball,” Emily Cole emphasized at the press conference. “Our mission has always been about joy, community, and making a difference. For us, that doesn’t stop when the games are over—it extends to the people who need us most.”
The couple also announced plans to partner with local organizations and nonprofits in both cities to ensure the centers are staffed with professionals who can provide wraparound services. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the first facilities projected to open by mid-2027.
Reactions Pour In
News of the donation has sparked widespread praise across social media and the sports community. Fans, players, and even political leaders have applauded the Coles’ generosity and leadership. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the initiative “a transformative gift that will save lives and strengthen our city’s fight against homelessness.” Rancho Cucamonga officials echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the support centers will relieve mounting pressure on the city’s resources.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), fans described the move as “inspirational” and “the perfect example of using success to uplift others.” Some even called for the MLB and other sports franchises to follow the Coles’ lead in addressing social challenges.
More Than a Check
Jesse and Emily stressed that they intend to remain actively involved in the projects. “We’re not just writing a check and walking away,” Jesse said. “We’ll be there, working with city leaders, meeting with families, and making sure these centers truly meet the needs of the people.”
The announcement underscores a growing trend of athletes and sports leaders using their platforms and financial success to address critical social issues. For the Coles, however, it is also deeply personal. Jesse recalled moments in his youth when his own family struggled financially, and he recognized how close many people are to homelessness without even realizing it.
“Baseball has given us so much,” he said. “It’s time to give something back that lasts beyond the game.”
With this remarkable gesture, the Coles are proving that their influence reaches far past stadiums and scoreboards. By putting their entire $12.9 million earnings into a cause that touches countless lives, they are rewriting what it means to be leaders in sports, community, and humanity.
Would you like me to frame this in a formal newspaper style (shorter paragraphs, dateline, quotes as blocks), or in a feature story style with more narrative and emotional flow.