First Commerce Credit Union and TMH Foundation Launch 2026 Flamingo Challenge

Fundraiser gives Tallahassee more ways to support local breast cancer patients

The flamingos are back, and this year, there are more ways to join the flock. First Commerce Credit Union and the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Foundation, with support from Altrua Global Solutions, are launching the 2026 Flamingo Challenge, inviting individuals, families, businesses, schools and community groups to flock together, raise funds and support local breast cancer patients.

Now in its seventh year, the Flamingo Challenge has become a community tradition during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Last year, participants raised more than $100,000, bringing the campaign’s total support for breast cancer patients at Tallahassee Memorial’s Walker Breast Program to more than $500,000.

“The #FlamingoChallenge is a powerful example of the impact that can come from a community uniting for a shared purpose,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “What makes it even more meaningful is knowing that every dollar raised stays local, directly supporting breast cancer patients and families in the communities we serve. We’re incredibly grateful for the individuals, businesses and organizations who join us each year and continue to make a meaningful difference for our neighbors when they need it most.”

More Ways to Join the Flock

The 2026 challenge introduces a new grassroots fundraising platform designed to make participation easier and more flexible.

Through TMH.ORG/FlamingoChallenge, participants can start a Flamingo Challenge fundraising team, join an existing team, create a personal fundraising page or simply donate—and pick up a flock of flamingos to display to show their support in October or send them on a visit to bring some cheer.

Participants can also purchase and decorate a 5-foot-tall flamingo and enter the Decorate a Flamingo Contest while raising funds and awareness.

Participants can pick up flamingos beginning Thursday, Sept. 24, at the following locations:

• TMH Foundation
  1331 E. 6th Avenue
  Tallahassee, FL 32303
• First Commerce Thomasville Road Financial Center
  3343 Thomasville Road
  Tallahassee, FL 32308

Whether someone wants to rally coworkers, gather friends and family, organize a school or community group, or fundraise individually, the new platform provides more ways to take part. Participants are encouraged to fundraise in a way that makes sense for them or their organization and let their creativity shine.

Past years have included round-up campaigns, share nights or portions of proceeds from designated items, auctions, raffles, chili cookoffs and other contests, dress-down days, sales of breast cancer awareness items, Halloween-related activities—and even a cornhole tournament. Every dollar raised stays local.

Behind Every Flamingo Is a Patient

Funds raised through the Flamingo Challenge help address some of the financial and logistical challenges that can accompany breast cancer treatment. As a nonprofit hospital, TMH provides care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Flamingo Challenge support helps local breast cancer patients access:

• Imaging services for uninsured patients, helping provide essential scans needed to guide diagnosis and treatment.
• Lodging and transportation assistance for patients who must travel for care.
• Advanced care and treatment in Tallahassee, helping patients access advanced technology and treatment options closer to home.

“Breast cancer treatment brings challenges that extend far beyond the exam room,” said Nigel Allen, president and chief advancement officer of the TMH Foundation. “The Flamingo Challenge gives our community a way to support patients during a difficult time and provides resources that make the journey a little easier. We’re incredibly grateful to First Commerce and to everyone who joins the flock each year.”

Join the Celebration

The 2026 Flamingo Challenge will culminate with a free “Frannies Fly Home” Party at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center, 1775 One Healing Place.

The celebration will include refreshments, recognition of top fundraising teams and awards for the winners of the Decorate a Flamingo Contest.

To join the 2026 Flamingo Challenge, visit TMH.ORG/FlamingoChallenge or email Rebeccah.Lutz@TMH.ORG or Natalie.Edwards-Heller@TMH.ORG.

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Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Foundation generates critical funding support for the programs, services and patients of TMH. Generous donors partner with us to solve complex, life-threatening problems and elevate the level of healthcare available to all in our community, making TMH a place of advanced care, healing and hope. Contributions to the Foundation are deductible by donors and/or their estates for federal income, gift and estate tax purposes. Members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees are community leaders charged with policy and oversight, managing the Foundation’s assets and distributing funds to TMH.