VALDOSTA — First Commerce Credit Union and the SGMC Foundation joined together with the community during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to raise nearly $15,000 during the annual #FlamingoChallenge fundraiser. All money donated goes 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, according to a press release from the organizers. 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 patients being treated at SGMC’s Pearlman Cancer Center.

During what is normally a fun and engaging time to participate in the #FlamingoChallenge, Valdosta and surrounding communities found themselves grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in October. As a result, many charitable donations were directed to valuable storm recovery efforts. 

“Our hearts went out to Valdosta and surrounding communities following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the disruption of so many lives,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “Even in the midst of those challenging times, we saw local businesses demonstrate remarkable caring and resilience by stepping up to show support for their community by raising critical funds for local breast cancer patients.” 

Local businesses Chaparral Boats, Inc., BH Electronics, Inc., and Coyote Manufacturing Co. worked together to raise $12,875 to help patients receiving treatment at SGMC’s location in Nashville. As they have done in previous years, the businesses held their popular Boston Butt sale that generates thousands of dollars to go toward helping local patients. 

“Our employees and the local community make the Boston Butt sale a special fundraiser each year, and 2024 was no different,” said Ann Baldree, senior vice president for Chaparral Boats, Inc. “As one of South Georgia’s largest employers, it is our goal to give back to the community — and money we raised for the #FlamingoChallenge will stay right here in Berrien County.”

In addition to helping underwrite the cost of Chaparral’s Boston Butt sale to help maximize the funds raised, First Commerce’s contribution included money from internal fundraising efforts by team members and their families, along with additional donations from FCCU’s volunteer board members, bringing the total to $14,875.

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. 

To learn more about the #FlamingoChallenge, and how you or your business/organization can get involved, visit FirstCommerceCU.org/Flamingo/.