Photo: © Bernard Butler

Event­management student receives HIV Awareness Award in Berlin

Bernard Butler has been living in Germany for almost 30 years now. More precisely, in Berlin. Born in New York, Butler has "done just about everything in his life". From trained massage therapist to cosmetician, from chef to dancer and singer. Bernard has now received the HIV Awareness Award from "Berliner Aids Hilfe" for his many years of voluntary work with people infected with HIV.

Photo: © Bernard Butler

"I make the best of every situation."

Health problems tore Bernard, called "Bernie", out of his job four years ago. For the former chef, a new qualification seemed to be the solution. "I wanted to move my projects ahead and decided to study event management at United POP Berlin. In review it was one of my best decisions.

Bernard now uses his knowledge of event management to encourage more people to support others. "I never started something because I wanted to get anything in return. Nevertheless, it's obvious that if you are not willing to give, you can't achieve anything. The New Yorker got the motivation to help people with HIV through his cousin several years ago. "He was diagnosed with AIDS, which at the time was a kind of death sentence. But fortunately today it is different.

"With the award, I now feel a sense of responsibility."

In addition to his work in various charity associations, Bernard regularly performs in so-called "Begegnungscafés". " Such an evening is an opportunity for discussion and, despite the fact that it is a serious occasion, it is always a lot of fun." Bernard also provides support in hospitals that specialize in helping people with the HI virus. When he is not on the stage he plans events such as the "International Aids Candlelight Memorial" or the "remember me" charity concert. He also accepts donations on behalf of his association "You´ve Got A Friend" for further HIV aid projects. "We should all take more care of each other."

Photo: © Bernard Butler

"My heart tells me where to go"

Together with vocalist Florian Korty he is touring across Germany as "Duotone" - and not only with music. "We have our own choreographies and costumes in which we sing and dance. Small comedy parts are always included. We get musical support from the gospel band Mo44. We perform in theatres - recently in Hamburg's Schmidt Theater, at gala evenings, as well as on cruise ships for TUI Cruises."


   #getconnected #stayuntited

  Sarah Kusche - Reporter & Blogger

  Sarah graduated in Stuttgart with the Diploma Media Reporter and presents the background stories of our students, graduates, lecturers and partners.


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