VALDOSTA — The Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County has received $1,765.40 from First Commerce Credit Union’s annual Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue. This contribution is aimed at helping the local organization continue its work in finding homes for lost, abandoned, and neglected animals in Valdosta and the surrounding communities.
The funds are specifically designated to aid the Humane Society’s low-cost spay and neuter clinic, its free and low-cost vaccine clinic, and the Life Ride transport program. The Life Ride program is critical for moving at-risk dogs and cats to other no-kill rescues, offering them a better chance at adoption.
Shannon Hauser, a member of the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County’s Board of Directors, confirmed that the money raised through the Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue would be “put to good use.” Hauser noted that as a nonprofit, any funding is vital for animal welfare, adoptions, and especially for the Life Ride transports, which enable animals to be placed in areas where they can be adopted or fostered.
First Commerce Credit Union CEO Cecilia Homison stated that the initiative, which began five years ago, has become an annual tradition for the credit union to support partner organizations in saving animal lives. Homison added that the community’s generosity this year reinforces that Valdosta has a strong affection for its animals and those who care for them.
The fundraiser involved 'Dogs for Dogs cookouts' held throughout May at many of First Commerce’s 14 locations. The community cookout in Valdosta featured adoptable dogs brought by the Humane Society, allowing residents to meet animals in need of homes while enjoying lunch. First Commerce team members served freshly grilled hot dog lunches, with all proceeds directed to partner organizations.
Named in honor of Liz Nix, a dedicated animal advocate, the annual fundraiser takes place in May, coinciding with National Pet Month. Rodney Nix, Liz Nix's son, serves on First Commerce’s Nashville, Georgia, Advisory Council, where the fundraiser first began. Since its launch in 2022, every dollar raised through the Liz Nix Fundraiser has remained within the local communities served by its partner organizations, aiming to maximize its impact.
Across all First Commerce markets, which span North Florida and South Georgia, the 2026 Liz Nix Fundraiser collectively raised nearly $16,000 for animal welfare organizations. This brings the campaign’s total fundraising to nearly $50,000 since it started. The work undertaken by First Commerce’s animal organization partners is instrumental in addressing animal overpopulation, preventing the spread of dangerous diseases like rabies, and reducing the number of abandoned and neglected animals in the region.