THOMASVILLE- First Commerce Credit Union and the Archbold Foundation partnered during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to again spearhead the annual #FlamingoChallenge, raising a new record of nearly $50,000 to benefit local breast cancer patients. All funds raised stay local and go directly to Archbold’s Cancer Center Resource Fund, which supports under-served patients in the region, particularly those at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
“It was truly an honor to partner with the Archbold Foundation to help transform the communities we serve,” said Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce Credit Union. “It is incredibly heartwarming to see the way our Thomasville community rallied to raise much-needed funds that will have such a meaningful impact on the lives of countless breast cancer patients and their families for generations to come.”
The #FlamingoChallenge is a creative FUNdraiser created by First Commerce four years ago in 2020. Businesses, individuals, and other local organizations took part in the #FlamingoChallenge by making a pledge to donate, claiming a flock of pink yard flamingos at their business or home, posting a photo, and challenging others to do the same.
This year’s #FlamingoChallenge kicked off with a Launch Party at Hubs and Hops in October as a gathering point for local supporters to make donations and pick up their flamingos and yard signs. Flocks of flamingos were quickly spotted throughout Thomasville as the fundraiser was enthusiastically embraced by the community. 1915 South served as the presenting sponsor, beginning the fundraising campaign with a $5,000 donation.
“Our goal is to connect at-risk patients in our community with the resources to get a yearly screening mammogram that can catch breast cancer in its early, more treatable stages,” said Vann Middleton, President of the Archbold Foundation. “The Flamingo Challenge allowed everyone to play a role in reaching that goal.”
Overall, the 2023 #Flamingo Challenge raised a new record of more than $150,000 across South Georgia and North Florida. Since its inception four years ago, the #FlamingoChallenge has raised more than $350,000, with all funds being used to benefit local cancer patients in their communities.