BREAKING NEWS: Savannah Bananas Owners Jesse and Emily Cole Donate $12.9 Million to Build Homeless Support Centers in Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga
In a powerful act of compassion and social responsibility, Jesse and Emily Cole, the visionary owners of the Savannah Bananas, have announced a monumental donation of $12.9 million—comprising their entire bonus and recent sponsorship earnings—to fund the construction of homeless support centers in Chicago, Illinois, and Rancho Cucamonga, California. The initiative is projected to create 150 permanent housing units and 300 shelter beds, offering life-changing assistance to some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
The Coles, already widely celebrated for transforming baseball through the creation of Banana Ball and turning the Savannah Bananas into a global entertainment phenomenon, are now making headlines off the field for their unwavering commitment to giving back. Their announcement, made during an emotional press conference, underscored the deep personal motivation behind the effort.
“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,” Jesse Cole said, standing alongside his wife, Emily. “No one should have to sleep outside in that kind of cold.”
The centers will not only provide housing and shelter beds but also include wraparound support services such as job training, mental health counseling, addiction recovery programs, and family support resources. The goal, according to the Coles, is to offer long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes, ensuring that those who seek help can rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
Community leaders in both Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga have praised the couple for their vision and generosity. City officials emphasized that the centers will significantly ease the burden on existing shelters, many of which are already stretched beyond capacity. Advocates for the homeless also noted that the initiative arrives at a crucial time, as rising housing costs and inflation continue to exacerbate homelessness across the United States.
While the Savannah Bananas are known for bringing joy, laughter, and innovation to the baseball field, this latest move by Jesse and Emily Cole demonstrates that their influence extends far beyond the sport. By transforming personal success into community impact, they are setting an example of leadership rooted in empathy and action.
As construction plans are finalized and ground is prepared to break in early 2026, thousands of lives in Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga are expected to be directly impacted by this bold and heartfelt initiative.
