Tallahassee, Fla. – For Tallahassee breast cancer survivor Chelisa Huse, trusting her instincts made all the difference.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2024, just weeks after her 45th birthday, Huse began treatment at the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Cancer Center.
“I’m a good example of: if something feels off, go get checked,” Huse said in a recent interview with First Commerce Credit Union, sponsor of the #FlamingoChallenge breast cancer fundraiser. “The support at the TMH Cancer Center was amazing.”
Huse’s story reflects the impact of the annual #FlamingoChallenge, led by First Commerce in partnership with nonprofit foundations supporting hospital systems across the region.
Thanks to the generosity of communities in North Florida and South Georgia, the 2025 #FlamingoChallenge raised nearly $150,000 for local breast cancer patients.
Since its launch six years ago, the campaign has surpassed $640,000 in total funds raised, with every dollar dedicated to covering essential medical and non-medical costs for patients. This annual effort strengthens First Commerce’s bond with the community and its commitment to making a difference.
From life-saving imaging for uninsured patients to travel and lodging assistance for those receiving treatment far from home, the #FlamingoChallenge is a story of impact and hope.
“The Flamingo Challenge is about more than fundraising — it’s about people,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “Seeing patients receive support that eases the burden of treatment reminds us why this effort matters so deeply to our team and our community.”
Highlights of this year’s event included expanding the #FlamingoChallenge into a new area of North Florida and introducing a fun new mascot.
Fundraising totals by hospital:
- Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Walker Breast Program: $100,443
- SGMC Health Pearlman Cancer Center: $20,876
- Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Hospital: $15,463
- Archbold Cancer Center Resource Fund: $5,307
In Tallahassee, First Commerce and TMH introduced a creative new tradition with Franny the Flamingo, the official campaign mascot 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.
Several local businesses joined the inaugural Decorate a Flamingo contest, dressing their Frannies in imaginative themes such as “Mardi Gras,” “Vegas Showgirl,” and “Wicked.” The decorated flamingos were proudly displayed at TMH’s Cancer Center, spreading encouragement and color to patients and visitors.
Nigel Allen, president and chief advancement officer for the TMH Foundation, thanked Altrua Global Solutions for the cutouts and signage, noting that it “added an exciting and fun element to this grassroots fundraising effort.”
“Flamingo Challenge continues to make a difference for hundreds of patients every year by providing support like transportation assistance, hotel lodging, PET scans, and other imaging services for uninsured patients. None of this would be possible without our generous community,” Allen said.
Another exciting development was the inaugural Bay County #FlamingoChallenge in partnership with Ascension Sacred Heart Bay. First Commerce recently opened its first financial center in Panama City.
Sacred Heart Bay President and CEO Robin Godwin highlighted the more than $15,000 raised in the first year of the campaign.
“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming enthusiasm and generosity of the Bay County community and look forward to growing the Flamingo Challenge year after year,” Godwin said. “The funds raised will directly and immediately benefit our breast cancer patients, providing vital support and resources right here at Sacred Heart Bay as they bravely fight this disease.”
The generosity of individuals and businesses also powered the Valdosta effort benefiting SGMC Health to nearly $21,000.
Hilary Willis, executive director of the SGMC Health Foundation, said the #FlamingoChallenge “turns generosity into real help, providing life-saving imaging, travel support, and hope on hard days for those battling breast cancer.”
Chaparral Boats, Inc. — one of South Georgia’s largest employers — was again a major contributor, reaching a record $12,340 through its popular Boston Butt sale during this year’s campaign.
“Chaparral and Robalo Boats, Coyote Trailers and BH Electronics are proud to partner with First Commerce to raise funds to support a very worthy cause that directly aids breast cancer patients in our local community,” said Chaparral Boats’ Senior Vice President Ann Baldree and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Smith in a joint statement.
More than $5,000 raised through the generosity of the Thomasville community will benefit the Archbold Cancer Center Resource Fund, which provides essential items such as lymphedema sleeves, cosmetics, skin care items, wigs, and breast prostheses for patients who have had mastectomies.
First Commerce members, team members, and board members also contributed thousands of dollars through silent auctions, donations, and other initiatives.
To learn more about the #FlamingoChallenge, its history, and how the fundraiser directly benefits breast cancer patients, visit FirstCommerceCU.org/Flamingo.
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About First Commerce Credit Union
First Commerce Credit Union is an award-winning, full-service, #LocalStrong financial institution dedicated to providing transformative change in the communities it serves for 85 years. First Commerce serves more than 70,000 consumer and business members across North Florida and South Georgia and has more than $1 billion in assets. First Commerce has been consistently recognized for its community impact, including a national award for FCCU’s #LocalStrong initiative helping local businesses and people at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. First Commerce offers best-in-class consumer and business products and services along with the latest technology. The credit union also offers free financial literacy resources in person and online through the FCCU Foundation, as well as comprehensive financial planning and investment services through its subsidiary Six Pillars Financial Advisors, and commercial and personal insurance through First Commerce Insurance Agency. For details, visit FirstCommerceCU.org or call 850.488.0035 or 800.533.5772. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing opportunity lender.
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