TALLAHASSEE, FL (May 1, 2025) |
As National Pet Month kicks off in May, First Commerce Credit Union is launching its annual Liz Nix Fundraiser to benefit local animal organizations in communities across North Florida and South Georgia.
The fun and heartwarming fundraiser will feature engaging community events, the chance to purchase pet-friendly items for a donation, and even a healthy competition among First Commerce financial centers to raise funds for local animal rescues. Last year, together with donations from individuals and businesses, the credit union raised just over $10,300 to support nonprofit animal rescues in the communities it serves.
First Commerce created the inaugural Liz Nix Fundraiser four years ago in Nashville, GA, to honor the life and legacy of longtime animal advocate Elizabeth “Liz” Nix. Her sons, Michael Nix and Rodney Nix, have been champions of the fundraiser since it began. Rodney also serves on the credit union’s Berrien County Advisory Council. Following the initial success of the fundraiser in 2022 and the positive response from the community, First Commerce expanded the initiative in subsequent years to support local animal rescues across North Florida and South Georgia.
“Our mission to empower generations and transform communities includes supporting local animal organizations who make our communities better by caring for abandoned and lost animals,’ said Cecilia Homison, First Commerce CEO. “Many of the animals they rescue become beloved members of the families who adopt them.”
The fundraiser has brought in more than $25,000 for animal organizations since it began.
One way First Commerce helped raise funds in 2024 was by hosting “Dogs for Dogs” community cookouts at FCCU financial centers across North Florida and South Georgia, with a suggested donation in exchange for freshly grilled hot dog lunches. Visitors at some of the cookouts also had a chance to meet animals available for adoption. Additionally, each financial center offered opportunities for visitors to donate and write personalized messages on paper paw cutouts that were displayed in lobbies throughout the month of May.
“The Nix family is grateful that our mother’s legacy lives on through this initiative that has grown to make an impact and offer hope in the lives of so many animals and their adoptive families,” said Rodney Nix. “Our mother’s love and care for animals shines through in the spirit of the Liz Nix Fundraiser.”
In addition to the annual Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animals, 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. All funds raised are used to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local patients battling breast cancer, along with their families. Over the past five years, this grassroots campaign has raised more than $500,000 that has been donated directly to local hospital programs across the region.
Learn more about how First Commerce empowers generations and transforms communities by visiting FirstCommerceCU.org/Community.
To learn more about the Liz Nix Fundraiser and to donate, visit FirstCommerceCU.org/LizNix