First Commerce Credit Union’s Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue Raises Nearly $16,000

Highest-ever fundraising total helps fifth annual campaign reach nearly $50,000 milestone

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — First Commerce Credit Union’s fifth annual Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue generated nearly $16,000 in 2026, the highest annual total in the fundraiser’s history, bringing its overall impact to nearly $50,000 since its launch.

Held each May during National Pet Month, the fundraiser benefits animal welfare organizations across North Florida and South Georgia. Through the generosity of individuals and businesses in the communities First Commerce serves, the credit union helps the organizations continue their work to find homes for lost and abandoned animals and provide services such as animal vaccinations, microchipping, spay and neuter initiatives, and much more.

During a check presentation recognizing the success of the 2026 Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue, from left: Thomasville Humane Operations Director Brooklyn Strickland, Development Director Stephanie Dodson Dougherty; First Commerce Georgia Market Executive Tiffany McCall; Thomasville Humane Executive Director Chandler Giddes; First Commerce Home Loan Manager Barbara Williams-Anderson; Thomasville Humane Engagement Director Saylor Spires.

First Commerce team members throughout August and September distributed the funds to six of its animal organization partners: Hearts to Homes Humane Society in Nashville; Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee; Thomasville Humane; the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County; the Humane Society of Bay County; and It’s Meow or Never in Tallahassee.

By supporting these organizations in providing services, the fundraiser helps strengthen communities by reducing animal overpopulation, increasing access to veterinary care and helping more pets find safe, permanent homes.

“What started five years ago as a way for First Commerce to support our partner organizations’ missions to save and improve the lives of countless animals has turned into a heartwarming annual tradition,” said First Commerce Credit Union CEO Cecilia Homison. “The generosity of the communities we serve only reaffirms that North Florida and South Georgia love their animals and the people who care for them.”

The Liz Nix fundraiser’s impact extends beyond fundraising. Throughout May, First Commerce hosted community cookouts, sold pet-themed merchandise and partnered with local animal organizations to connect residents with adoptable pets.

In Tallahassee alone, Leon County Humane Society participated in multiple community cookout events that helped showcase dogs seeking forever homes, while other partner organizations brought adoptable animals to events throughout the region.

The Leon County Humane Society helps more than 1,000 animals each year, making every bit of community support the organization receives valuable.

“Partnerships with dedicated, community-minded organizations such as First Commerce Credit Union help us strengthen and advance our mission to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Educate,” said Lynne Rahman, financial administrator for the Leon County Humane Society. “We are grateful for First Commerce Credit Union’s continued support and dedication to improving the lives of homeless and vulnerable animals throughout our region.”

The Liz Nix fundraiser expanded its impact in 2026 by adding the Humane Society of Bay County as a partner organization.

For the Humane Society of Bay County, the funds raised arrive at a particularly important time as the organization continues rebuilding after its shelter sustained severe damage from Hurricane Michael.

“The funds raised through the Liz Nix Fundraiser will go directly into our rebuild fund, supporting both the reconstruction of our facility and the purchase of essential items for the animals in our care,” said Kelley Ditore, administrator of the Humane Society of Bay County. “We are truly elated to be partnering with First Commerce Credit Union and grateful they chose us as this year’s partner.”

The annual fundraiser honors the memory of Liz Nix, a passionate animal advocate whose legacy continues to inspire support for lost, abandoned and neglected animals throughout the region. Since the fundraiser began in Nashville, Georgia, every dollar raised has remained in the communities where it was collected, helping maximize local impact.

The full list of funds distributed from First Commerce’s Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue:

• Leon County Humane Society: $3,578.17
• It’s Meow or Never, Tallahassee, FL: $1,083.00
• Hearts to Homes Humane Society, Nashville, GA: $5,803.85
• Thomasville Humane: $1,761.63
• Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County: $1,765.40
• The Humane Society of Bay County: $1,812.40

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ABOUT FIRST COMMERCE:

First Commerce Credit Union is an award-winning, full-service, #LocalStrong financial institution dedicated to empowering generations and transforming communities for 85 years.  First Commerce has been consistently recognized for its community impact, including national awards for its annual #FlamingoChallenge, which the credit union has spearheaded to raise nearly $650,000 since 2020 to benefit breast cancer patients throughout the region.  A not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $1 billion in assets, the credit union is owned by the more than 74,000 consumer and business members it serves. Anyone who lives or works in 40 counties in the North Florida/South Georgia region or their immediate family members are eligible to join. First Commerce has 14 financial centers, including six in Tallahassee, one in Panama City and Marianna, Florida; along with three in Valdosta, one in Nashville, Adel, and Thomasville, Georgia.  First Commerce offers best-in-class consumer and business products and services along with the latest technology, and is the No. 1 auto lender in the region. 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.