Katie BaileyPink flamingos have returned to North Florida and South Georgia with the purpose of helping local patients facing breast cancer. First Commerce Credit Union, located in Tallahassee, Florida, and the foundations supporting hospitals throughout the region kicked off the 2026 #FlamingoChallenge in October, inviting individuals, businesses, schools and community groups to join the flock and raise funds throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The #FlamingoChallenge helps First Commerce Credit Union communities donate directly to local hospitals and cancer programs that are saving lives, while making a colorful show of support for patients and anyone impacted by breast cancer.
Donors receive a flock of pink flamingos and accompanying yard signs to display at their homes, businesses or anywhere they want to spread awareness and demonstrate their support. All money raised stays local, benefiting breast cancer patients in the communities where it is collected.
“The #FlamingoChallenge is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together for a shared purpose,” said First Commerce Credit Union CEO Cecilia Homison. “What makes it especially meaningful is knowing that every dollar raised stays local, directly supporting patients and families facing breast cancer in our communities.”
Funds raised through the #FlamingoChallenge support:
- Tallahassee: The Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Walker Breast Program through the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation.
- Panama City: The Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Cancer Center through the Sacred Heart Foundation.
- Thomasville: The Archbold Cancer Center Resource Fund through the Archbold Foundation.
- Valdosta: The Pearlman Cancer Center at SGMC Health through the SGMC Health Foundation.
Across the region, #FlamingoChallenge donations help ease the burden of the cancer journey by funding services and resources that include advanced imaging scans, lodging and transportation assistance, cold-cap therapy, wigs, lymphedema sleeves and other patient support programs designed to reduce financial barriers and improve quality of care.
This year, getting involved is easier than ever. First Commerce Credit Union and its hospital partners are making it simple for individuals, families, businesses and community organizations to donate, claim a flock of flamingos and rally support for local breast cancer patients. Members of the community can get involved and find links to donate directly at FirstCommerceCU.org/Flamingo.
Businesses are also encouraged to get involved and boost fundraising efforts through community round-up nights where portions of purchases go toward the #FlamingoChallenge, special menu items, and tournaments with registration fees collected to support the cause.
First Commerce Credit Union launched the #FlamingoChallenge seven years ago, and since then, the fundraiser has generated nearly $700,000 for breast cancer patients and programs across North Florida and South Georgia. The fundraiser has provided more than $500,000 to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare‘s Walker Breast Program, nearly $85,000 to the Archbold Foundation, and nearly $100,000 to the SGMC Health Foundation, ensuring support remains local in each participating community.
In 2025, the inaugural Bay County #FlamingoChallenge fundraiser raised $15,463 for Ascension Sacred Heart Bay. Building on that success, this year’s fundraiser will introduce the first-ever #FlamingoChallenge Bridge Walk for Breast Cancer on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Carl Gray Park in Panama City. Participants can register online.
The #FlamingoChallenge invites communities throughout North Florida and South Georgia to come together, raise awareness and fuel support for an important cause, all while having fun along the way.
For more information and to participate in the 2026 #FlamingoChallenge, visit FirstCommerceCU.org/Flamingo.
