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.
In an extraordinary act of generosity and humanity, Savannah Bananas owners Jesse and Emily Cole announced that they are donating the entirety of their $12.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings toward the construction of homeless support centers in Chicago, Illinois, and Rancho Cucamonga, California.
The initiative, revealed at a heartfelt press conference on Tuesday morning, aims to establish a network of facilities designed to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. According to details shared, the project will directly fund the creation of 150 affordable housing units and 300 emergency shelter beds, representing one of the largest private contributions to homelessness alleviation in recent years.
A Promise Made, A Promise Kept
Jesse Cole, widely known for his bold yellow tuxedo and innovative leadership with the Savannah Bananas, appeared visibly emotional as he stood beside his wife Emily to make the announcement. The couple emphasized that their decision was driven not by business strategy or public recognition, but by a deep sense of responsibility.
โI have witnessed people struggling to survive the harsh winters in the U.S. without a roof over their heads,โ Jesse said, pausing to collect himself. โI 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.โ
Emily added, โThis is not just a donation; this is an investment in dignity, in hope, and in the belief that every person deserves a safe place to call home.โ
Why Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga?
The decision to focus on Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga stems from the coupleโs personal experiences and extensive research into urban homelessness. Chicago, with its notoriously frigid winters, continues to face an urgent housing crisis, while Rancho Cucamonga has seen a sharp rise in unsheltered populations despite being one of Californiaโs fastest-growing cities.
City officials from both regions expressed their gratitude for the Colesโ initiative. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement calling the donation โa lifeline for hundreds of residents who have been left behind.โ Rancho Cucamonga city leaders echoed the sentiment, noting that the support centers would not only provide beds but also wraparound services, including counseling, job placement assistance, and healthcare access.
Beyond Baseball
The Savannah Bananas have become a cultural phenomenon, redefining how baseball is played and experienced with their emphasis on joy, entertainment, and community. Yet this latest move from the Coles illustrates that their vision of impact stretches far beyond the ballpark.
โThis is who Jesse and Emily are at their core,โ said a longtime Bananas staff member. โTheyโve always believed in using success as a platform to make life better for others. This just takes it to an entirely new level.โ
The couple confirmed that they would not retain a single dollar of the bonus and sponsorship windfall, choosing instead to redirect all of it to construction, staffing, and operational costs of the support centers. The first facility in Chicago is expected to break ground by early next year, with Rancho Cucamongaโs project following shortly thereafter.
The Ripple Effect
Experts in nonprofit and housing policy believe this donation could inspire a ripple effect among other wealthy individuals and sports franchise owners. Dr. Sarah Whitmore, an urban policy professor at the University of Southern California, praised the initiative:
โThis is an extraordinary example of leveraging private wealth for public good. The Coles are setting a precedent that should challenge others in positions of privilege to think critically about how they can contribute to solving systemic issues.โ
A Call to Action
While the Coles were clear that this contribution alone cannot solve the nationโs homelessness crisis, they expressed hope that their example might spark collaboration across sectors. โWe donโt claim to have all the answers,โ Jesse said. โBut we believe in action, and we believe in people. If everyone does their part, no matter how big or small, change is possible.โ
For many, Tuesdayโs announcement was more than just newsโit was a reminder of what compassion, courage, and community leadership can achieve.
As Jesse and Emily left the stage, the audience stood in applause, not for the spectacle of baseball but for a couple who turned personal success into a beacon of hope for Americaโs most vulnerable.