THOMASVILLE- Archbold Cancer Center will treat more than 1,450 new cancer cases this year, with breast cancer being the No. 1 diagnosis. In preparation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Archbold Foundation and First Commerce Credit Union have teamed up again this year to launch the #FlamingoChallenge, a unique fundraising initiative that empowers the community to get involved and help raise funds to support local patients battling breast cancer. Since its initial launch four years ago, the #FlamingoChallenge has raised more than $200,000 to support local patients in South Georgia and North Florida.

Funds raised through #FlamingoChallenge in Thomasville will go toward Archbold’s Cancer Center Resource Fund, which directly benefits under-served patients in the region, particularly those at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

“First Commerce has always been committed to making transformative change in the communities we serve,” said Cecilia Homison, First Commerce CEO. “Since launching the #FlamingoChallenge four years ago, it has been incredibly inspiring to see so many individuals and organizations come together to support patients battling breast cancer. We are extremely proud of how this grassroots initiative truly change lives for the better.”

The #FlamingoChallenge is a month-long community fundraiser that encourages businesses, non-profits, schools, other organizations and individuals to have some fun, while also showing support for local cancer patients. Participants can claim a flock of pink flamingos, place them in front of their home or business, make a pledge to donate or fundraise and then post pictures with their flamingos on social media. All participants are encouraged to share their fun, creative photos with their flocks on social media and challenge others to join in the fun. In order for others to follow the flocks on social media, participants are encouraged to use hashtags #FlamingoChallenge and #PinkPower in their posts and tag @FirstCommerceCU and @Archbold.

“We are excited to partner with First Commerce Credit Union for such a worthy cause,” said Vann Middleton, President of the Archbold Foundation. “There are so many patients in our community who do not have the resources to get a yearly screening mammogram that could help catch breast cancer in its most treatable stages, and we want to connect them with available resources.”

The 2023 #FlamingoChallenge kicks off Tuesday, October 3, with the Flamingo Challenge Launch Party at Hubs and Hops from 5-7 p.m. Everyone from the community and surrounding areas is welcome to stop by, show support, make a donation, and pick up their flock. Flocks of flamingos will also be available throughout the month of October for anyone who is not able to attend the launch party. To reserve a flock, contact Vann Middleton at 229-228-8047.