VALDOSTA – The First Commerce Credit Union launches a fundraiser for local animal rescue organizations including Valdosta.

Release:

In recognition of National Pet Month in May, First Commerce Credit Union (FCCU) has launched its third annual fundraiser to support local animal rescue organizations caring for abused and abandoned animals. In addition to raising funds throughout the month, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about pet adoption and help homeless animals find their fur-ever homes.

This year, First Commerce’s Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue goal is to raise $15,000 throughout National Pet Month, May 1–31. Local residents and businesses are invited to join fundraising efforts by making donations or hosting their own creative fundraisers to contribute to the cause.

The inaugural fundraiser began in Nashville, Ga., in 2022 to honor the memory of Norma Elizabeth “Liz” Nix, a passionate advocate for animal welfare and the mother of Rodney Nix who serves as a volunteer member of FCCU’s Berrien County Advisory Council. Following the success in Nashville, in 2023, First Commerce expanded the fundraiser as a catalyst to support local animal rescues across North Florida and South Georgia, including Tallahassee and Marianna, Fla., and Nashville, Adel, Ray City, Thomasville, and Valdosta, Ga. Together with our communities over the past two years, more than $15,000 has been raised and donated. Money raised locally will support The Humane Society of Valdosta/ Lowndes County (https://www.humanesocietyofvaldosta.org ).

“As part of our commitment to transforming the communities we serve, we have a longstanding history of supporting local causes,” said Cecilia Homison, First Commerce CEO. “Liz was a highly respected member of her community with a heart for helping animals. We believe she would be incredibly proud to see how this fundraiser has brought so many communities together to support and find homes for abandoned animals.”

Anyone with a passion for pets is invited to get involved in the Lix Nix Fundraiser during May. Donations can be made at any of First Commerce’s 13 financial centers. All locations are offering high-quality insulated grocery totes and collapsible drinking bowls for pets — perfect for summer outings — in exchange for a donation. Additionally, supporters can donate and receive a paper paw cutout to write a personal message and display it at a First Commerce location. Each financial center will also feature “Paws for a Selfie” photo stations with fun props for visitors to use to take photos and post on social media using hashtags #LizNixFundraiser and #PowerofYou, and tagging family and friends to challenge them to donate. Donations can also be made directly to a local Humane Society chapter through First Commerce’s web site at FirstCommerceCU.org/LizNix.

In addition, First Commerce will host a “Dogs for Dogs” community cookout at its Valdosta financial center from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  to further expand fundraising efforts. The community is invited to come out for a lunch of freshly grilled hot dogs, chips and a drink for a minimum $5 donation. All proceeds will go to The Humane Society of Valdosta/ Lowndes County.

• Valdosta- Inner Perimeter Financial Center – Wednesday, May 22nd
  3312 Inner Perimeter Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602

Join the Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue and follow the fun in your community on social media all month long in May. Local animal lovers are encouraged to post their pet photos on social media, tagging @FirstCommerceCU and using the hashtag #LizNixFundraiser and #PowerofYou.  

For additional information and schedule of events, visit FirstCommerceCU.org/LizNix.