What have we done for you lately?

Florida Commerce is committed to the well being of our community and all of us living in it. We're committed to making a difference with every person we meet and proudly support organizations that show that same level of passion and commitment.

While we support a range of different causes, we're especially proud of what we accomplished with 2008 Commit-a-thon:

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, Florida Commerce team members were making resolutions, not only personally, but professionally as well. Resolutions of commitment, passion, and dedication lead to Florida Commerce creating an initiative known as the Commit-a-thon . This community-based “resolution” allows each of our departments to choose an organization local to the Tallahassee area and support that cause for one month.Team members will volunteer, fundraise, and participate in hands-on-activities for their chosen organization. Let’s take a look at the first six-months of the Commit-a-thon…

February kicked-off the Commit-a-thon, with our Collections Department choosing three local organizations to support: the Ronald McDonald House, the Humane Society, and St. Augustine Hills Plantation Assisted Living.Team members volunteered over 95 man-hours cleaning, landscaping, washing and even baking cakes for these three groups. As an added bonus, the Collections department hosted a Bingo Social at St. Augustine Hills Plantation, proving goodie bags for all bingo players and a special Spa Retreat Basket for the Bingo champion.

The following month of March proved to be just as busy for our Central Loan Support (CLS) department.They spent the month fundraising for the North Florida Burn Camp, Camp Amigo summer camp program. This program provides a fun, safe environment for children affected by burn injuries. In total, CLS raised $4,170.00 for Camp Amigo by hosting hot dog socials, bake sales, and car washes. They also placed firefighter boots in each Florida Commerce office to collect donations.

Our Bradfordville and Maclay offices focused their efforts on the March of Dimes, March for Babies in April.The largest part of their commitment to this organization was choosing an Ambassador Family to support.Florida Commerce members, Brandi and Marshall Griffiss, who lost their son Justin Tate at just 26 weeks, were chosen as the Ambassador Family.Team members from Florida Commerce raised $2,400.00 in support of Justin’s Footprints, the team that honored Justin Tate Griffiss.All donations to Justin’s Footprints will benefit research and development in preventing premature births.

Moving into May, the Administrative staff at Florida Commerce spent their time fundraising and collecting donations for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Our Committed 2 Cures relay team walked through the night in honor Lynn Daniel, whom we lost to cancer in 2006, Konnie Keena our former CFO and daughter of Sarah Brown whom we lost in 2007, and current team member and cancer survivor Cindy Colligan. Their participation and dedication to raising awareness of this disease resulted in a $12,900.00 contribution to ACS.

And finally, at the half way mark of 2008, we find our community reaching out for assistance to provide food to people in need.In June, the Mahan Drive office partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of the Big Bend to collect non-perishable food items for programs such as the Kids Café, Second Helpings, and Brown Bags for the Elderly. Mahan team members collected over 700 lbs of food and $600 in monetary donations.Florida Commerce matched the pounds of food collected for a total of $1,796.00.

Florida Commerce team members are committed to the well being of our community and how our efforts affect everyone living in it. Thus far, Florida Commerce has contributed over $20,000.00 and countless hours of volunteer time. We’re committed to making a difference with every person we meet and proudly support organizations that exhibit the same level of passion and commitment. Stay tuned for the second part of our Commit-a-thon as our Human Resource department and IT department kick-off July by supporting the Refuge House and Meals on Wheels.

We love our community and giving back. We couldn't do it without an amazing group of over 36,000 members and our dedicated staff. Cheers to more community successes in 2008!