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"The Ultimate Demonstration of Compassion:" Butler Rides Through PittsfieldBy Jen Thomas - June 29, 2007
 | | David Butler arrived in Pittsfield this afternoon as part of a three-day cross-state bike ride to raise awareness about youth affected with HIV/AIDS. |
Pittsfield - Kicking off his bike/run tour in Pittsfield this afternoon, Dave Butler left the worst of his journey behind him.
Butler arrived back in the state at 4 a.m. after an unexpected series of layovers and delayed flights pushed back his arrival from California. Originally scheduled to start off the “Keep the Alive II” tour to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS on the New York/Massachusetts border, Butler’s itinerary was updated to accommodate the one hour delay Butler was forced to make after his bicycle’s tire went flat on the way to the city.
“You’re late,” Mayor James M. Ruberto quipped when Butler arrived at City Hall at 12 p.m. He was scheduled to arrive at 11 a.m.
Butler, the founder and CEO of the Save Haven Project, is biking across Massachusetts on Routes 20, 7 and 2 in an effort to “re-light” the public’s interest in outreach for youth affected by the spread of HIV/AIDS. Along the way, he’ll meet with community leaders and project coordinators to publicize events and presentations that promote education and prevention.
The Safe Haven Project is a Northampton-based charity that sponsors free camps across the United States to children living with HIV or AIDS, along with programming aimed at social outreach to villages in Ghana, West Africa.
The staff of the HIV/AIDS program at the American Red Cross of Berkshire County were also present at City Hall to lend their support to Butler’s three-day ride.
“We came out to support Dave and acknowledge that there are services in the community to help people with HIV or AIDS,” said Kristina Biasin, a home-based health services nurse at the Red Cross. She was joined by Kelly Pizzi, the director of the program and Pat Wood, the case manager.
The Berkshire Red Cross’ HIV/AIDS Client Services Program is the only service of its kind in the county to provide aid to individuals living with HIV. The program offers comprehensive case management and home-based health services that focus on helping patients maintain finances, providing support groups and informing clients of their health options.
Mayor James M. Ruberto proudly wore his Safe Haven Project t-shirt in support of Butler's ride. |
“The whole issue of AIDS is something we all have to be incredibly sensitive to, and the Red Cross has been active here in Berkshire County to address this issue,” said Ruberto.
Butler said he firmly believes in the role of local organizations in helping tackle the global epidemic.
“It’s great to hear that there are people in the local community working on this. There are some people here in Pittsfield who have the same heart and compassion but not the same notoriety or celebrity as Bono or Oprah,” said Bulter, referring to U2 frontman Bono and famed TV show host Oprah Winfrey, celebrities both known for their contributions to fighting the spread of the AIDS epidemic.
As Butler prepared to get back on his bike - named “Black Lightning” - and move onto Greenfield (where he’ll stay tonight), Ruberto sent him off with kind parting words.
“I’ve always believed that in order to have any organization be successful, [that organization] has to be based on value. This ride is the ultimate demonstration of value and compassion,” said Ruberto.
Jen Thomas may be reached via email at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at (413) 663-3384, ext. 23.
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