THOMASVILLE- First Commerce Credit Union and the Archbold Foundation joined together with the community during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to raise $27,570 as part of the annual #FlamingoChallenge fundraiser. All funds raised go directly to help local patients battling breast cancer. The #FlamingoChallenge is a grassroots initiative that offers a fun, unique way for the community to get involved and show support.

Each year, businesses, organizations, schools and individuals participate by claiming a flock of pink flamingos and a yard sign to place in front of their home or business. They then make a pledge to donate or fundraise and post pictures with their flamingos on social media using the hashtag #FlamingoChallenge. All funds stay local and benefit Archbold’s Cancer Center Resource Fund, which supports underserved patients in the region, particularly those at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

First Commerce contributed $5,000 to this year’s fundraiser, with a portion of donations coming from internal fundraisers in which team members and their families, along with FCCU’s volunteer board members, generously donated.

“The incredible support we saw in Thomasville during the #FlamingoChallenge is a testament to the power of our communities across South Georgia and North Florida,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “The funds that were generously donated by individuals and organizations truly change lives – both for patients battling breast cancer and for their families.”

Over the years, funds raised through the #FlamingoChallenge have been used to pay for state-of-the-art equipment, lodging and expenses for patients who need to travel, and items that are designed to improve treatment outcomes and provide comfort.

“We are extremely grateful to our good friends at First Commerce Credit Union for their generous support of this year’s Flamingo Challenge,” said Archbold Foundation President Vann Middleton. “They are incredible community stewards and are always willing to help give back to the communities where their employees work, live and play. On behalf of everyone at Archbold, we appreciate the support of the Archbold Cancer Center through the Flamingo Challenge.”

Across all First Commerce markets in South Georgia and North Florida, the #FlamingoChallenge raised more than $158,000 in 2024 for local breast cancer patients. 2024 also marked the fifth year of the #FlamingoChallenge and a major milestone reaching more than $500,000 raised for local communities since its inception.

The #FlamingoChallenge kicks off each year with a launch party in September, giving attendees a chance to mingle, show support and pick up flamingo flocks to be displayed throughout October. Participants donate and even host their own fundraisers to make an even greater impact.

To learn more about the #FlamingoChallenge, and how to get involved, visit //FirstCommerceCU.org/Flamingo/.