First Commerce, TMH Foundation Raise More Than $100,000 During the 6th #FlamingoChallenge Fundraiser Benefiting Breast Cancer Patients

Tallahassee, Fla., Dec. 18, 2025 — 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 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, sponsors of the #FlamingoChallenge breast cancer fundraiser. “The support at the TMH Cancer Center was amazing.”

Huse’s 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.

Since its launch, the campaign has raised $500,000 for TMH’s 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.

“The Flamingo Challenge is about more than fundraising. It’s about people,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “When 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.”

“We 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,” said Nigel Allen, president and chief advancement officer of the TMH Foundation.

This year’s #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.

Several local businesses participated in 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.

Huse participated in the contest by submitting a custom Franny inspired by Disney’s Coco, created with help from her son’s ESE class, adding a deeply personal and meaningful touch to the campaign.

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.

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.

Winners of the inaugural Decorate a Flamingo contest:

• Best in Flock (Best Overall): Arbor Properties, Inc.
• Sassy Franny (Most Attitude): M. Darrh Bryant, DMD, Tracy M. Eckles, DDS
• Fla-Mazing Franny (Most Creative): Southern Medical Group, P.A., Cardiology
• Couture Franny (Most Stylish): Carroll and Company, CPAs
• Judges’ Choice (Most Likely to Defy Gravity): Akerman LLP