When Clancy area resident Gary Carlson created the “Spirit of Service Day” 17 years ago, he had no idea how much it would grow. Starting with a handful of dedicated volunteers spending a spring day helping Helena area residents perform a task or two they were unable to handle themselves, the program has grown to include over 500 volunteers sponsored by 30 partner organizations sprucing up scores of households each spring.
Something else Carlson, who works at the A-Z accounting firm in Helena, did not know at the time: he would be honored by fellow certified public accountants from all across Montana for his efforts.
Carlson was awarded the Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants inaugural Community Service Award in June. His expression as he accepted the award made it clear he felt gratitude, something so many Helena area homeowners have felt because of the Spirit of Service assistance given to them.
