Charlie Helm: Humanitarian of the Year

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Charlie Helm sat in his office Tuesday and talked about several people who do great work for the Flagler County community. He was still coming to terms with the fact that he was named the 2013 Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation Humanitarian of the Year last week.

“He is so humble about what he does,” said Lea Stokes, whom Helm has mentored. “He is the guy that does things quietly and behind the scenes. He doesn’t just talk the talk, but he truly lives it every day.”

Over the years, Helm has worked closely with Bill Tol, development officer of the Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation, in the areas of financial planning and long-term giving. He has also provided seminars on estate-planning and wills.

Since moving to Flagler County in 1988, Helm has served as president and charter member of the Flagler Beach Rotary Club, president of the Flagler Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Flagler Beach Scenic Highway and Friends of A1A. He is currently president of Flagler Volunteer Services/RSVP, a charter member of the Flagler Beach Museum, chairman of the Flagler County Police Officers’ Pension Plan and past president of the Flagler Auditorium Governing Board. Helm has been a member of the Flagler County Chamber Board for six years, holding vice president, secretary and executive board positions and has found the time to serve as either treasurer or chairman of the finance committee of every church he has attended.

“You shouldn’t get an award for having so much fun,” Helm said of his contributions.

But the foundation disagreed.

The program from the awards reception reads: “(Helms’) challenging career, dedication to family, outstanding community involvement, amazing number of leadership positions, proven expertise in his field all have contributed to his excellent service to the Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation’s achievements over the past several years.”

Those that know Helm best attest to his dedication not only to his financial clients and the committees he is involved in, but also to young, up-and-comers in the business world. Helm mentored a group of women, which became known as “Charlie’s angels.” He said there were guys in the group, too, but it was the women who really stuck with it.

“I really love to see somebody succeed, and if I have a little bit to do with it, that means the world to me,” he said.

Stokes was one of those “angels.”

“Charlie has tapped into so many young women in business and given us the opportunity for leadership roles,” she said. “It has helped all of us to learn leadership techniques and to give back to the community. I aspire to be like Charlie — I just admire him so much. He is deserving, no matter what he says.”