John Murdy, a familiar face on the Walking Mall who has spent years doing the unglamorous work that keeps Helena's community events running, was named the July 2026 Spirit of Helena Award recipient at the September 8 commission meeting. The award is a joint recognition from the City of Helena and the Helena Chamber of Commerce, given monthly to a resident who embodies civic contribution.
Chamber representative Cali Asham and Helena Business Improvement District Program Manager Abigail Dolan presented the award. Dolan, in her remarks, highlighted Murdy's particular willingness to take on the behind-the-scenes tasks that don't come with applause — the setup, the breakdown, the jobs that simply need doing. It's the kind of contribution that's easy to overlook until it isn't there.
Murdy has been a consistent presence at downtown events for years, and his recognition reflects the kind of quiet civic investment that the Spirit of Helena Award is designed to surface. The award has been given jointly by the city and Chamber for years as a way of spotlighting residents whose contributions might not otherwise make the news.
The August and subsequent monthly recipients will continue to be announced at commission meetings throughout the year.