Senate Resolution 714
By: Senators Tillery of the 19th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Watson of the 1st, Mallow of the
2nd, Hickman of the 4th and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring and celebrating Jesse and Emily Cole, Banana Ball, and Bananas Foster; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia recognizes the extraordinary success and public support
of the Savannah Bananas and Banana Ball; and
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2016, Jesse and Emily Cole created a national phenomenon–
establishing The Savannah Bananas; and
WHEREAS, the Savannah Bananas have sold out every game since 2018, becoming one of
the great sports success stories and being recognized nationally as the "Greatest Show In
Sports"; and
WHEREAS, using their iconic sports platform, Jesse and Emily Cole, who already serve as
foster parents, created Bananas Foster; and
WHEREAS, Bananas Foster is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing families together by
celebrating the foster care community while educating and inspiring others to get involved;
and
WHEREAS, Bananas Foster, the official nonprofit of Banana Ball, selects a "Bananas Foster
Family" (BFF) for a backstage experience at each Banana Ball game; and
WHEREAS, due to the iconic presence and platform of the Savannah Bananas, the need for
foster care parents has been featured and promoted in media such as the Today show, ABC
News, CBS News, Sports Illustrated, and other national outlets; and
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia has 9,500 children in foster care, and a need for additional
foster parents clearly exists; and
WHEREAS, the national attention Jesse and Emily Cole, Banana Ball, and Bananas Foster
have engineered has allowed a spotlight to be shown on the foster family need in Georgia and
across the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
honor Jesse and Emily Cole, Banana Ball, and Bananas Foster; celebrate the achievements
and success of their campaign to raise awareness of the need for foster care parents; and
express their gratitude for the investment and focus on the foster care community and the
needs of children in Georgia and nationwide.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Jesse and Emily
Cole, Banana Ball, and Bananas Foster.