BREAKING NEWS: Savannah Bananas Owner Jesse Cole and Emily Cole Donate Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative to Fund 150 Housing Units and 300 Shelter Beds
Savannah, GA — In an unprecedented display of generosity and civic leadership, Savannah Bananas founder and owner Jesse Cole and his wife, Emily Cole, announced on Friday that they are donating their entire $12.9 million in bonus and sponsorship earnings to launch a sweeping homeless shelter and affordable housing initiative. The project will directly fund the construction of 150 permanent supportive housing units and 300 emergency shelter beds across Chatham County and surrounding areas — the largest single private donation to homelessness services in the region’s history.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Grayson Stadium, home of the world-famous Savannah Bananas. Wearing his trademark bright yellow tuxedo, Jesse Cole stood beside Emily and a group of local nonprofit leaders as they unveiled architectural renderings and plans for the new facilities. “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew if I was ever in a position to make a real difference, I would,” Jesse said. “This community has given so much to our family and our team. It’s time for us to give back in a way that creates lasting change.”
A New Chapter in Community Engagement
The Savannah Bananas, known globally for their viral Banana Ball antics and fan-centric entertainment, have already cultivated a reputation for philanthropy and community involvement. Yet this donation represents a quantum leap in the scale of their impact. According to local officials, the $12.9 million gift will not only accelerate construction of planned shelters but also cover the first three years of operational costs, including staffing, food services, job-training programs, and mental-health support for residents.
Emily Cole, who has managed much of the team’s behind-the-scenes community outreach, said the couple was inspired after visiting several area shelters last winter. “We met mothers with children, veterans, and young people aging out of foster care who had nowhere safe to go,” she explained. “The stories stayed with us. We realized our latest bonus and sponsorship revenue could do more good in the community than sitting in a bank account or being reinvested in marketing. This is about giving people dignity and hope.”
How the Initiative Will Work
The funds will be channeled through a new public-private partnership called Home Run for Hope, a collaborative effort between the Coles, the City of Savannah, the United Way of the Coastal Empire, and several faith-based organizations. The 150 permanent supportive housing units will be built in phases on three separate sites, offering a mix of studio apartments and family-sized units with on-site case managers. The 300 emergency shelter beds will be housed in a newly renovated former warehouse near downtown Savannah, featuring separate wings for men, women, and families, along with a cafeteria, classrooms, and a health clinic.
City Manager Jay Melder praised the couple’s bold step: “This is not just a donation — it’s a catalyst. The Coles’ investment is allowing us to fast-track a plan that would have taken a decade to realize. It’s a model for how sports franchises and private citizens can transform social challenges.”
A Ripple Effect Beyond Baseball
The news has already reverberated far beyond Georgia. National housing advocates hailed the gift as an example of how successful entrepreneurs and sports leaders can leverage their platforms for systemic change. The Bananas’ sponsors — including major brands in apparel, food, and streaming — issued statements applauding the move and pledging additional contributions.
Longtime Bananas fan and Savannah native Clara Jefferson, 62, said she wasn’t surprised. “Jesse and Emily have always been about the fans and the community,” she said. “This just shows their hearts are even bigger than their show.”
Economists and policy experts also noted that the donation could have measurable long-term benefits for the local economy. Research shows that every dollar invested in supportive housing and shelter services saves municipalities several dollars in emergency health care, policing, and incarceration costs. By helping stabilize individuals and families, the initiative is expected to reduce strain on hospitals and social services while increasing workforce participation.
Personal Motivations
During the press conference, Jesse Cole opened up about his personal motivations for the first time. He recalled growing up in a small New England town where his family sometimes struggled to make ends meet. “I had friends who spent nights in cars or on couches. I saw the toll it took. Baseball gave me an escape, but not everyone gets that chance,” he said. “Emily and I want to be part of leveling the playing field — off the field.”
Emily added that the decision was also about setting an example for their two young children and for the thousands of fans who look up to the Bananas’ players. “We teach our team to entertain, to innovate, and to serve. This is service at its highest form,” she said.
The Road Ahead
Groundbreaking on the first 50 units of permanent housing is scheduled for early next spring, with completion expected within 18 months. The emergency shelter facility is projected to open its doors before the end of next year, providing immediate relief as Savannah continues to experience a rise in housing insecurity. The Coles will serve on the board of Home Run for Hope and have pledged ongoing support, including dedicating a portion of ticket and merchandise sales to sustain operations.
Meanwhile, the Savannah Bananas will continue their wildly popular tours and upcoming debut as part of Major League Baseball in 2026, ensuring the team’s profile remains high and its philanthropic reach broad. “This is not the end of our giving — it’s the beginning,” Jesse emphasized. “We hope it inspires others in sports, entertainment, and business to think bigger about what’s possible.”
Community Reaction
On social media, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Hashtags such as #HomeRunForHope and #BananasGiveBack began trending within hours of the announcement. Fans flooded the team’s Instagram and TikTok pages with messages of admiration and offers to volunteer at the new shelters once they open.
Local pastor Reverend James Rowe summed up the mood at the press conference: “We’ve always cheered for the Bananas on the field. Now we’re cheering even louder for what they’re doing off the field. This is faith in action. This is love made visible.”
Conclusion
With a single transformative act, Jesse and Emily Cole have turned a season of financial success into a lifeline for hundreds of the region’s most vulnerable residents. Their $12.9 million donation sets a new benchmark for how sports leaders can invest in the communities that support them — not just in entertainment but in human dignity. As Savannah prepares to break ground on a new era of compassionate housing, the Bananas’ trademark motto feels more relevant than ever: “Go Bananas.”
