VALDOSTA — First Commerce Credit Union’s May fundraiser supports local rescues helping pets find safe, loving homes.

Release:

[VALDOSTA & NASHVILLE, GA] – Animal welfare organizations serving North Florida and South Georgia save the lives of thousands of animals each year. Since 2022, First Commerce Credit Union has raised funds annually throughout National Pet Month in May to help ensure these organizations can continue their vital work.

First Commerce’s Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue benefits Hearts to Homes Humane Society in Nashville and the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County — organizations that do transformative work for their local communities.

Hearts to Homes is a nonprofit cat rescue dedicated to saving the lives of stray, abandoned and at-risk cats. The organization works tirelessly to provide medical care, safe shelter, and loving placements for cats in need.

“Every life we touch is made possible by the kindness and generosity of our community,” Hearts to Homes said in a statement.

The Valdosta/Lowndes County Humane Society saves more than 1,600 dogs and cats each year, and spays or neuters more than 5,000 animals, making its impact undeniable in improving animal welfare and curbing overpopulation.

“We spay and neuter, vaccinate, microchip, treat animals if sick or injured, and adopt them into loving homes locally or use our Life Ride transport program to send them to larger no-kill rescue partners (some as far as Canada!) to be adopted,” the Valdosta/Lowndes County Humane Society said of its critical services.

First Commerce launched the Liz Nix Fundraiser in Nashville, in honor of longtime animal advocate Liz Nix. The fundraiser has raised more than $35,000 to date, creating a lasting impact for animal welfare organizations across South Georgia and North Florida. Liz Nix’s son, Rodney Nix, serves on First Commerce’s Nashville Advisory Council.

Proceeds from the Liz Nix Fundraiser support essential services that strengthen communities, including spay and neuter programs, vaccinations, microchipping, and, most importantly, helping dogs and cats find loving, permanent homes.

“The compassionate work these organizations do makes all of our communities healthier,” said First Commerce Credit Union CEO Cecilia Homison. “Our mission to empower generations and transform communities includes animals, which are so close to our hearts.”

Throughout May, First Commerce will sell pet-friendly items at its financial centers, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Liz Nix Fundraiser. Community members are invited to stop by and participate, knowing every dollar supports local animal welfare efforts.

First Commerce will also continue its popular “Dogs for Dogs” cookouts, hosting multiple events featuring freshly grilled hotdog lunches, with all proceeds benefiting animal organizations. At select locations, attendees will have the opportunity to meet animals available for adoption, offering a fun, meaningful way to support the cause while helping pets find forever homes.

The Liz Nix Fundraiser supports animal organizations across the North Florida and South Georgia communities that First Commerce serves. By keeping every dollar raised within these local communities, the fundraiser ensures its impact is meaningful, direct, and truly felt where it matters most.

For more information on the Liz Nix Fundraiser and to donate directly, visit FirstCommerceCU.org/LizNix.

Partners for the 2026 Liz Nix Fundraiser include:

• Hearts to Homes Humane Society – Nashville
• Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County
• Leon County Humane Society
• Thomasville Humane
• It’s Meow or Never – Tallahassee
• The Humane Society of Bay County