SR714: SR714 Cole, Jesse and Emily; honor

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes Jesse and Emily Cole, who founded the Savannah Bananas baseball team and its Banana Ball format in 2016, along with their nonprofit Bananas Foster, which highlights the foster care community. The resolution notes that Bananas Foster selects a foster family for a backstage experience at each Banana Ball game and that the Coles' national platform has drawn media attention from outlets like the Today show and Sports Illustrated to the need for foster parents. It cites that Georgia has 9,500 children in foster care. The Senate directs its Secretary to prepare copies of the resolution for the Coles, Banana Ball, and Bananas Foster.

• Formally honors Jesse and Emily Cole for founding the Savannah Bananas and Banana Ball.
• Recognizes Bananas Foster, a nonprofit that highlights the foster care community and selects a 'Bananas Foster Family' at each game.
• States that Georgia has 9,500 children in foster care and that more foster parents are needed.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the Coles, Banana Ball, and Bananas Foster.

The resolution directly names Jesse and Emily Cole, the Savannah Bananas organization, Banana Ball, and the nonprofit Bananas Foster. It also references Georgia's foster care system and the children and families within it.

The resolution carries no legal or funding changes; it is a symbolic statement from the Georgia Senate. Its practical effect is limited to publicly recognizing the Coles' work and drawing attention to Georgia's foster care needs through an official government statement.

• The whereas clauses describe the founding of the Savannah Bananas in 2016 and its sold-out success since 2018.
• The resolution notes Bananas Foster's role as the official nonprofit of Banana Ball and its 'Bananas Foster Family' feature at games.
• The resolution states Georgia has 9,500 children currently in foster care.
• The final resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the honorees.

1. 2026-02-06Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-05Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)Primary sponsor
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)

• foster care
• Savannah Bananas
• Banana Ball
• legislative honors