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.”…

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.”…

BREAKING NEWS: Savannah Bananas Owners Jesse and Emily Cole Donate Entire $12.9M Bonus to Build Homeless Support Centers

In an unprecedented act of generosity, Jesse and Emily Cole, owners of the wildly popular exhibition baseball team the Savannah Bananas, have announced that they are donating their entire $12.9 million bonus and recent sponsorship earnings to build homeless support centers in two U.S. cities hit hard by the housing crisis: Chicago, Illinois and Rancho Cucamonga, California.

At an emotional press conference held Thursday morning in Chicago’s Near West Side, Jesse Cole addressed the media, flanked by his wife Emily and several local leaders. Dressed in his trademark yellow tuxedo, Cole fought back tears as he explained the motivation behind the couple’s monumental decision.

“I have witnessed people struggling to survive the harsh winters in the U.S. without a roof over their heads,” Cole said. “And 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.”

A Gift With Impact

The donation will directly fund the construction of two full-service homeless support centers — one in Chicago and one in Rancho Cucamonga. Together, the projects are expected to create:

150 long-term housing units for unhoused individuals and families

300 emergency shelter beds

Comprehensive support services including mental health counseling, job placement assistance, addiction treatment, and childcare

Construction on the facilities is slated to begin in early 2026, with estimated completion in mid-2027.

The $12.9 million donation represents the full amount of Jesse Cole’s recent performance bonus and endorsements tied to the Bananas’ explosive nationwide success over the past year. The Savannah Bananas have captivated audiences across America with their blend of baseball and entertainment, often referred to as “the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball.” Their meteoric rise has not only brought smiles to millions but now, tangible hope to hundreds of vulnerable Americans.

A Personal Mission

For Jesse and Emily Cole, this isn’t just a philanthropic gesture — it’s personal.

During the press conference, Emily Cole recounted their visits to several cities during the Bananas’ barnstorming tour earlier this year. She recalled walking through downtown Chicago in February and being struck by the number of people huddled in doorways, wrapped in thin blankets, trying to stay warm in subzero temperatures.

“We talked about it all night that evening,” Emily said. “It haunted us. We knew we couldn’t look away.”

Back home, the couple began working quietly with nonprofit organizations, city officials, and housing advocates to figure out how they could make a real impact. What began as a desire to donate a few thousand dollars quickly evolved into something far more ambitious.

City Officials React

Chicago Mayor Michelle McDowell praised the Coles for their generosity and vision, calling the initiative “a beacon of compassion in a time of crisis.”“Jesse and Emily Cole are showing what real leadership looks like — not just in sports, but in society,” McDowell said. “This donation will save lives and restore dignity to those who have been overlooked for too long.”

In Rancho Cucamonga, City Manager Renee Martinez echoed the sentiment.“Affordable housing and shelter beds are critical needs in our community. The Coles’ investment gives us a fighting chance to change the trajectory for hundreds of our residents.”

Support From the Bananas Community

While the donation is a private endeavor by the Coles, the Savannah Bananas organization expressed full support for the initiative.“We couldn’t be prouder of Jesse and Emily,” said Bananas President Kyle Luigs. “They’ve always believed in doing more than just entertaining — they believe in inspiring. And today, they’re doing just that.”

Fans of the Bananas also took to social media to praise the couple. The hashtag ColeCares began trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of the announcement.“This is what true heroes look like,” one user wrote. “Not just playing games, but changing lives. Thank you, Jesse and Emily.”

The Broader Crisis

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 653,000 people in the United States experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024 — the highest number in over a decade. Chicago alone has over 68,000 residents experiencing homelessness annually, while Southern California has faced explosive growth in its unhoused population due to rising housing costs.

Experts say that while no single act can solve homelessness, large-scale private investments like the Coles’ can act as catalysts for broader policy change.“When high-profile figures use their platform and their resources to address homelessness, it shifts public perception and political will,” said Dr. Anita Palmer, a housing policy expert at Northwestern University. “This could be the start of something much bigger.”

What’s Next

In the coming months, the Coles will continue working with local nonprofits, city planners, and architects to ensure the centers are not only built quickly but also run effectively. They plan to remain involved well beyond the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.“This isn’t a one-time gift,” Jesse emphasized. “It’s the beginning of a long-term commitment to make sure people get not just shelter, but a chance to rebuild.”

The couple has also hinted at launching a foundation in 2026 focused on innovative solutions to housing insecurity, potentially involving other athletes, entertainers, and business leaders.

A Legacy Beyond Baseball

For a team known for dancing in kilts and somersaulting outfielders, the Savannah Bananas have already left an indelible mark on America’s sports landscape. But through the vision and compassion of Jesse and Emily Cole, their legacy now stretches far beyond the baseball diamond.

As the press conference concluded, Cole looked out at the crowd of reporters and advocates and said quietly, but firmly:“Let’s not make this the exception. Let’s make it the beginning.”

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