TALLAHASSEE, FL (January 10, 2025) |
First Commerce Credit Union and the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Foundation joined together with the community to raise an impressive $116,472 – and counting – in the fifth year of the #FlamingoChallenge, which directly benefits local patients battling breast cancer.
The #FlamingoChallenge, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, reached two major milestones -- a record-breaking six-figure total, marking the fundraiser’s highest amount to date, and surpassing $500,000 raised since its inception five years ago. Donations came from more than 100 generous individuals, as well as nonprofit groups, businesses, sports teams, school groups and other organizations, making the fifth year of the #FlamingoChallenge a huge success.
The #FlamingoChallenge, launched in 2020 by First Commerce Credit Union and the TMH Foundation, is a fun communitywide fundraiser where businesses, organizations and individuals can show their support for breast cancer patients by claiming a flock of pink yard flamingos to place in front of their home or business, making a pledge to donate or fundraise and posting pictures with their flamingos on social media. All funds stay local and support patients of the Walker Breast Program at TMH, the region’s only accredited breast program by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
First Commerce, the founder of #FlamingoChallenge, contributed $10,000 to the TMH Foundation this year, 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 outpouring of support we’ve seen through the #FlamingoChallenge is a testament to the power of our communities across North Florida and South Georgia,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “The funds that were generously donated by so many individuals and organizations truly change lives – both for patients battling breast cancer and for their families.”
Over the years, donations raised through the #FlamingoChallenge have been used to purchase state-of-the-art, cancer fighting equipment, as well as to provide PET scans, MRIs, transportation, lodging and comfort measures that improve patient outcomes. In 2023, the fundraiser generated more than $85,000 for TMH, which helped purchase the Kub Technologies 3D MOZART IQ System — cutting-edge technology that gives surgeons greater precision when removing cancerous tissue.
“We are seeing increasing numbers of patients who don’t have health insurance and face significant challenges,” said Nigel Allen, TMH Foundation president and chief advancement officer. “We also have patients who travel long distances to TMH and need assistance with transportation and lodging, and there is an ongoing need to invest in technology to provide the most advanced treatments. Funds raised through the #FlamingoChallenge allow us to meet patient needs and increase access to life-saving care. We are so grateful to First Commerce and to the businesses and individuals who support this grassroots effort. It truly makes a difference for our patients. Thank you!”
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. Businesses host silent auctions, chili cook-offs and other special events including a cornhole tournament; donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of pink merchandise or give customers an opportunity to round up their totals at the cash register as a donation.
For updates on the #FlamingoChallenge and information about how you or your business/organization can join in the fun for a good cause, visit TMH.ORG/FlamingoChallenge.
