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 $12.9 Million Bonus to Build Homeless Support Centers in the U.S.
In a powerful display of compassion and social responsibility, Jesse and Emily Cole—the visionary owners of the world-famous Savannah Bananas baseball team—have announced they are donating their entire $12.9 million in recent bonuses and sponsorship earnings to tackle homelessness in two underserved cities: Chicago, Illinois, and Rancho Cucamonga, California.
At a packed press conference held earlier today, Jesse Cole, known for his iconic yellow tuxedo and larger-than-life personality, became visibly emotional as he spoke about the struggles he has witnessed firsthand across the United States. “I have seen people trying to survive in subzero temperatures, sleeping on cardboard or huddled under overpasses,” he said. “I made a promise to myself that if I was ever in a position to make a meaningful difference, I would step up and do something. Today, that promise becomes real.”
The initiative, spearheaded by the couple’s newly launched nonprofit, Banana Cares Foundation, will lead to the development of two full-service homeless support centers—one on the South Side of Chicago and another in Rancho Cucamonga. These centers will feature not only 150 permanent housing units and 300 emergency shelter beds but also on-site mental health care, job training programs, substance abuse recovery services, and childcare support for families.
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
While the Savannah Bananas are widely known for their unique blend of baseball and entertainment—often dubbed the “Harlem Globetrotters of baseball”—the Coles have also built a reputation for using their platform to champion causes beyond the field. Their latest endeavor marks a significant expansion of that mission.
“We’ve built a baseball team that brings joy to millions,” said Emily Cole. “Now it’s time to bring hope and stability to those who have been left behind. Housing is not a luxury; it’s a basic human right.”
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 653,000 Americans are currently experiencing homelessness, a number that has increased in recent years due to rising housing costs, economic instability, and mental health crises. The cities of Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga were chosen specifically for their high needs and growing populations of unsheltered individuals.
What the Centers Will Offer
Each center will be equipped with the following:150 Permanent Supportive Housing Units for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.300 Emergency Shelter Beds with 24/7 access, especially critical during extreme weather conditions.Free Counseling and Mental Health Services staffed by licensed professionals.Vocational Training & Job Placement Programs, in partnership with local businesses and nonprofits.Childcare and Educational Support for families with children, including tutoring and after-school programs.Medical Care Clinics to address physical health needs.Community Kitchens serving three free meals a day to residents and visitors in need.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the goal of opening both facilities by the end of 2027.
Community Response
The news has sparked an outpouring of support from local officials, community leaders, and fans of the Savannah Bananas alike.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the Coles’ generosity, calling it “a transformative gift at a critical moment.” He added, “This is not just charity. This is infrastructure. This is what real leadership looks like.”
In Rancho Cucamonga, Mayor Dennis Michael echoed the sentiment: “We are honored to be one of the cities chosen. This initiative will not only save lives—it will change them.”
Fans across social media have also chimed in, many using hashtags like BananaCares and YellowForHope to show solidarity.
The Future of Banana Cares Foundation
The Coles made it clear that this is only the beginning. The Banana Cares Foundation is being designed as a long-term vehicle for change, with additional initiatives in the works focused on youth mentorship, food security, and mental health access.
“We’re not just writing checks,” Jesse Cole said. “We’re building relationships, investing in communities, and creating long-term solutions.”
The Coles also revealed that they will be redirecting a portion of future Savannah Bananas profits annually into the foundation to ensure its sustainability. Their goal? To expand this model to five more cities by 2030.
A Call to Action
In closing the press conference, Jesse Cole issued a challenge to others in positions of wealth and influence.
“We all have platforms—some big, some small. What matters is how we use them,” he said. “If you’re fortunate enough to have resources, use them. If you can give time, give it. If you can raise your voice for someone who doesn’t have one, do it. Let’s not wait for someone else to fix the problem. Be the someone.”
As the news continues to make waves, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s a movement. And Jesse and Emily Cole are using baseball—and their growing influence—to change lives far beyond the stadium.
Want to get involved? The Banana Cares Foundation is accepting donations, volunteers, and partnership proposals at . Whether you’re a fan of baseball or a believer in building stronger communities, there’s a place for everyone to contribute.
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