{"id":90892,"date":"2025-12-20T21:33:07","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T21:33:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/90892\/"},"modified":"2025-12-20T21:33:07","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T21:33:07","slug":"first-commerce-tmh-foundation-raise-more-than-100000-benefiting-breast-cancer-patients-tallahassee-reports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/90892\/","title":{"rendered":"First Commerce, TMH Foundation Raise More Than $100,000 Benefiting Breast Cancer Patients \u2013 Tallahassee Reports"},"content":{"rendered":"

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For Tallahassee breast cancer survivor Chelisa Huse, trusting her instincts made all the difference.<\/p>\n

Diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2024, just weeks after her 45th birthday, Huse began treatment at the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Cancer Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a good example of, if something feels off, go get checked,\u201d Huse said in a recent interview with First Commerce Credit Union, sponsors of the #FlamingoChallenge breast cancer fundraiser. \u201cThe support at the TMH Cancer Center was amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Huse\u2019s story reflects the impact made possible through the annual #FlamingoChallenge, led by First Commerce Credit Union in partnership with the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation. Together, the organizations raised $100,443.50 during the 2025 fundraiser, ensuring that every dollar stays in the community to support local breast cancer patients.<\/p>\n

Since its launch, the campaign has raised $500,000 for TMH\u2019s Walker Breast Program. Funds from the #FlamingoChallenge help cover essential medical and non-medical costs, from life-saving imaging for uninsured patients to travel and lodging expenses for those receiving treatment far from home.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Flamingo Challenge is about more than fundraising. It\u2019s about people,\u201d said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. \u201cWhen we see survivors like Chelisa sharing their stories and patients receiving support that eases the burden of treatment, it reminds us why this effort matters so deeply to our team and our community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are incredibly grateful to our partners at First Commerce Credit Union and to all our community donors and sponsors for their dedication to supporting local breast cancer patients through the Flamingo Challenge,\u201d said Nigel Allen, president and chief advancement officer of the TMH Foundation.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s #FlamingoChallenge introduced a creative new tradition with Franny the Flamingo, the official mascot of the campaign, symbolizing survivorship, resilience, and community support. Altrua Global Solutions, an in-kind sponsor, produced 5-foot flamingo cutouts for individuals and businesses to decorate and display throughout the community.<\/p>\n

Several local businesses participated in the inaugural Decorate a Flamingo contest, dressing their Frannies in imaginative themes such as \u201cMardi Gras,\u201d \u201cVegas Showgirl,\u201d and Wicked. The decorated flamingos were proudly displayed at TMH\u2019s Cancer Center, spreading encouragement and color to patients and visitors.<\/p>\n

Huse participated in the contest by submitting a custom Franny inspired by Disney\u2019s Coco, created with help from her son\u2019s ESE class, adding a deeply personal and meaningful touch to the campaign.<\/p>\n

First Commerce members, team members and board members also contributed nearly $12,000 through internal silent auctions and fundraising initiatives. In addition, local businesses hosted events, donated proceeds, and offered customers opportunities to round up purchases in support of the cause. Participating businesses included Lucky Goat Coffee, Midtown Reader, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, and Premier Health & Fitness.<\/p>\n

First Commerce launched the #FlamingoChallenge six years ago, and since then, the fundraiser has raised more than $640,000 to support patients and programs at hospitals across North Florida and South Georgia.<\/p>\n

Winners of the inaugural Decorate a Flamingo contest:<\/p>\n

Best in Flock (Best Overall): Arbor Properties, Inc.Sassy Franny (Most Attitude): M. Darrh Bryant, DMD, Tracy M. Eckles, DDSFla-Mazing Franny (Most Creative): Southern Medical Group, P.A., CardiologyCouture Franny (Most Stylish): Carroll and Company, CPAsJudges\u2019 Choice (Most Likely to Defy Gravity): Akerman LLP
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