Coles Hamels debuted in Major League Baseball as a pitcher in 2006. In 2009, he signed a three-year, $20.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2012, his star rising, he signed a one-year contract worth $20 million. Before that ran out, he signed a six-year, $144 million contract — the second-largest ever signed by a pitcher. If he plays in 2019, boom, another $24 million.
And he’s just 33.
So what do you do with that kind of money? Some buy lots of Bugatis and Lamborghinis, others buy jets and even islands. And Hamels spent some of his fortune, plunking down millions for a mansion in Missouri.
But Hamels is different. He’s decided to give away that house — 32,000 square feet with 10 bedrooms, 13 full bathrooms and six half bathrooms and valued at nearly $10 million — to Camp Barnabas, a charity that provides camps for children with special needs and chronic illnesses.
“There are tons of amazing charities in Southwest Missouri. Out of all of these, Barnabas, really pulled on our heartstrings,” Hamels said in a statement. “Seeing the faces, hearing the laughter, reading the stories of the kids they serve; there is truly nothing like it. Barnabas makes dreams come true, and we felt called to help them in a big way.”
The gift includes 100 acres of land.
Based in Southwest Missouri, Camp Barnabas is a non-profit charitable organization that includes two locations dedicated to providing life-changing experiences to individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses as well as their siblings.
This gift marks the largest donation in the history of Barnabas.
“This is so much more than a beautiful property,” says Krystal Simon, Chief Development Officer. “This incredible gift allows us to further our ministry and truly change thousands of lives for years to come.”
Over the past 24 years, Camp Barnabas has welcomed more than 75,000 campers and missionaries to camp. Barnabas also includes Barnabas Prep, a two-year faith-based collegiate program based in Branson, MO designed specifically for students with special needs. More than an independent living learning experience, Prep helps individuals recognize their strengths and potential while challenging them to grow into their best selves.
“We love that Barnabas sees the bigger picture,” says Cole and Heidi Hamels. “They are changing the way the world sees disability ministry.”
But where will Hamels go? He’ll be fine. Since he was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2015, he and his wife relocated to Texas and never moved into the Missouri house. But we’re guessing he has a pretty nice house there, too.