HOOSIER CPAS GATHER FOR DAY OF SERVICE: In an effort to mobilize hundreds of CPAs throughout Indiana, the Indiana CPA Society recently organized its second annual "CPA Day of Service."Some 378 volunteers donated a full day to assist with a variety of projects in some 18 cities throughout the state.
The volunteers were scattered at 38 locations, many of which were selected with the help of the United Way of Central Indiana. Some of the organizations at which the CPA community volunteered included: the Hope Rescue Mission in South Bend; the Community Harvest Food Bank in Fort Wayne; Middle Way Transitional Living in Bloomington; St. Jude's House in Crown Point; and the Horizon House in Indianapolis.
The number of volunteers for this year's event was roughly double the figure of 2003's inaugural Day of Service.
The idea for the Day of Service was created to recognize the volunteer services of Indiana CPAs. Accounting students throughout the state's colleges were also invited to participate.
"Providing volunteers community service is just an extension of our professional service to the public," said Dave Greene, chairman of the 8,000-member INCPA. "Besides the obvious benefit of helping a needy cause, volunteer service enhances a CPA's professional career and his or her status as a valued member of the local business community."
FIRM MEMBERS HELP EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SECURE EXEMPT STATUS: Dana Basney and Josh Maxwell, of the San Diego-based accounting and business consulting firm of Nation Smith Hermes Diamond, were recently presented with an award of recognition from The Enrique S. Camarena Educational Foundation Inc.
The Enrique S. Camarena Educational Foundation was formed recently to help children ward off drug abuse. Basney and Maxwell had set up the foundation with 501(c)(3) exempt status.
Enrique "Kiki" S. Camarena, was an agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration who was abducted and subsequently murdered by Mexican drug traffickers in 1985. He was 37 at the time of his death. The nonprofit group helps place busts of the late DEA agent in schools, libraries and public buildings.
"Through Kiki's image we honor all fallen and wounded narcotics officers, while helping our kids realize that drug abuse isn't fun and games, but a deadly habit that harms themselves and society," said John Windham, the foundation's president.
Founded in 1966, Nation Smith Hermes Diamond is the largest independent CPA and consulting firm in San Diego. It is a member of the BDO Seidman Alliance.
