Clutching a freshly printed, framed 5-by-7-inch portrait, Cliff Kirkendall stood in the hallway of the Samaritan House building with a smile bigger than the one he mustered for the photo.

“When I’m doing good, people who know me know I put a thumb up,” he said, thrusting his right thumb in the air. “Well, I don’t have enough thumbs to put up right now.”

Kirkendall, who often sleeps in a tent when alternative shelter isn’t available, was one of 125 people photographed by a team of volunteers who came together Saturday to host a local version of Help-Portrait, a nationwide event driven by photographers who donate their expertise to those in need.

The idea for the event is to provide the less fortunate with a simple gift others may take for granted — a picture of themselves.

Kelli Trontel began mulling the idea of hosting the event in Kalispell after taking part in the Nashville, Tenn., version in 2009.

“We think, OK, we’re going to come and serve these people, but my world is being rocked right now,” said Trontel, a professional photographer who lives near Whitefish.

After about a month of planning and an outpouring of support by fellow photographers, businesses and volunteers, a total of 59 people descended on the former armory building in Kalispell to pull off the event.

That number included 17 photographers and three videographers, makeup stylists, cosmetologists and enough other volunteers to operate computers, greet attendees and print and frame the photographs.

Trails West Real Estate provided the frames for the event, while Photo Video Plus offered its printing services — both companies doing so at no cost to the organizers.

Their kindness was matched by Samaritan House, which provided warm meals to people waiting for their photographs to be processed; musician Crystal Lewis, who sang from her popular gospel collection; and The Boiler Room, which made sure there was plenty of hot coffee. J Thomas Salon provided the haircuts.

“It’s everyone coming together with their talents and loving our community,” Trontel said.

Carrie Rowe, like Trontel, has a hard time not crying when discussing the event and the people who showed so much joy after receiving simple photographs of themselves or their family.

They came from all corners of Kalispell after spotting posters at places like the Salvation Army, the United Way, the Samaritan House and other locations where the needy are served.

“It’s just been so cool to see the smiles and the joy,” Rowe said.

Photographer Seth Eagleton, who learned of the event via Facebook, likewise fights tears when discussing the stories of those who smiled so broadly on the other side of his camera.

“They would otherwise never even think they have an opportunity to have a portrait like this,” he said.

The three-hour event was a success in the eyes of organizers and attendees, to the extent that a follow-up already has been scheduled.

Help-Portrait will be held Dec. 3, 2011, Trontel said.

Most of this year’s volunteers already have asked to take part in the event.

“I think we leave here better people than when we come,” Trontel said.

Reporter Eric Schwartz may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at eschwartz@dailyinterlake.com.