As part of First Commerce’s commitment to transform the communities it serves, the credit union dedicated the month of May — National Pet Month — to raise funds for four local Humane Society chapters. Together with donations from individuals and businesses, the credit union raised just over $10,320 to support non-profit animal rescues across North Florida and South Georgia.

Three years ago, First Commerce launched its inaugural fundraiser in Nashville, GA, to honor longtime animal advocate Elizabeth “Liz” Nix, mother of Rodney Nix, a member of the credit union’s Berrien County Advisory Council. Following the initial success in 2022 and the positive response from the community, First Commerce expanded the initiative last year to support local animal rescues in North Florida and South Georgia.

“As a credit union dedicated to creating a culture of care for our members and our communities, we appreciate the critical role local animal rescues play in helping abandoned and lost animals that become an important part of so many families,” said Cecilia Homison, First Commerce CEO. “The Liz Nix Fundraiser empowers each of us to join together and support the incredible work these nonprofits do to provide life-saving treatments, shelter and care for abandoned animals, find them forever homes through adoption, or reunite lost pets with their families.”

One way First Commerce helped raise funds was by hosting five “Dogs for Dogs” community cookouts across North Florida and South Georgia, with a suggested donation in exchange for freshly grilled hotdog lunches. Visitors at some locations also had a chance to meet animals available for adoption. Additionally, the credit union offered collapsible water bowls for pets and insulated grocery totes at each of its 13 financial centers for donations. Members were also able to donate and write personalized messages on paper paw cutouts that were displayed in FCCU’s financial centers throughout the month of May.

“Watching this initiative continue to grow has been an inspiration to the Nix Family,” said Rodney Nix. “We are grateful to see our mother’s legacy flourish and have such a positive impact on the lives of so many animals. It was a cause she cared deeply about.”

In addition to the annual Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue, First Commerce supports many other local organizations. Another major community initiative will be back this fall, when people across North Florida and South Georgia will see flocks of pink yard flamingos reappear as part of the annual national award-winning #FlamingoChallenge to raise funds during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Embodying the #LocalStrong spirit, all funds raised are used to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local patients battling breast cancer and their families. Over the past four years, this effort has raised more than $300,000 that has been donated directly to hospital programs across the region, including North Florida and South Georgia.

Last year, First Commerce also committed to a foundational gift of $1 million to kickstart Big Bend Hospice’s capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art hospice care facility inside Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. In recognition of FCCU’s support, Big Bend Hospice named the new facility the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care. It opened in the fall of 2023 and now offers skilled end-of-life care including doctors, nurses, social workers, bereavement, music therapists, and trained volunteers who provide support to patients and their families across the region.