I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Savannah Bananas! Watching a game is pure unadulterated entertainment. Jesse and Emily Cole started the organization in 2016 with the goal to make baseball fun and bring families together. It has succeeded beyond their wildest dreams – they recently sold out Yankee Stadium. Twice!
In 2020, Jesse and Emily decided they wanted to become foster parents. They had a one-year-old biological son but Emily’s heart ached for the 400,000+ kids in the US without a permanent home. She wanted to help in any way she could.
Their first foster was a 2-1/2-year-old non-verbal abused little girl. They were able to adopt her and she is now 6 years old and thriving. They subsequently fostered a 6-day old drug-addicted baby right out of NICU …. Originally expected to be a short-term placement, they were eventually able to make her a permanent part of their family, as well.
In 2023, Emily’s passion led to the establishment of ‘Bananas Foster.’ With the Savannah Bananas growing popularity and audiences, they believed they could use their platform to make a real difference in the foster care community.
“Advocating for everyone involved, Bananas Foster celebrates those already making a difference while inviting others to get involved so we can all help make this world a better place.” – Emily Cole.
They celebrate Banana Foster Families (BFF’s) on the field at games across the country to encourage more to get involved. Since 1923, over 3 million fans in 62 cities have celebrated 230 foster families and learned about Bananas Foster. What a home run!