First Commerce Credit Union just launched the fifth year of its Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue, and honestly? Since 2022, they’ve pulled in more than $35,000 for animal welfare organizations across North Florida and South Georgia. That’s a lot of kibble.
The fundraiser honors Liz Nix, a longtime animal advocate from Nashville, Georgia. Her son, Rodney Nix, sits on First Commerce’s Nashville Advisory Council, helping keep his mom’s legacy alive in the most practical way possible—by funding the organizations that do the hard, essential work of animal rescue every single day.
“The compassionate work these organizations do makes all of our communities healthier,” First Commerce Credit Union CEO Cecilia Homison said. “Our mission to empower generations and transform communities includes animals, which are so close to our hearts.”
Every dollar raised goes toward services that genuinely matter: spay and neuter programs, vaccinations, microchipping and helping animals find their forever homes. These programs tackle animal overpopulation, prevent the spread of diseases like rabies and reduce the heartbreaking number of abandoned and neglected pets.
Animal welfare organizations in the region rescue thousands of animals annually. Take the Leon County Humane Society, which welcomes roughly 1,000 animals each year—many from overcrowded shelters, some surrendered by families in crisis, and others rescued from neglect or abuse.
The real star of the show are The “Dogs for Dogs” cookouts. Multiple locations will fire up the grill for hot dog lunches, with all proceeds benefiting partner animal organizations. At select events, you can even meet adoptable animals looking for homes.
First Commerce serves communities across North Florida and South Georgia, and the fundraiser ensures the money helps animals in those exact areas. The 2026 lineup of partner organizations includes:
- Hearts to Homes Humane Society – Nashville, GA
- Leon County Humane Society
- Thomasville Humane
- Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County
- It’s Meow or Never – Tallahassee
- The Humane Society of Bay County