The BBH group set up the Wolf-Büttner Prize in 2020 to honour the memory of the law firm’s co-founder Wolf Büttner who always exemplified social engagement and embedded it in the group’s DNA. The prize is to recognise projects that demonstrate exemplary social engagement and thus have a positive impact on the local community. This year, the prize is worth €10,000 and was awarded by a four-member jury from the BBH group based on suggestions from clients. The award ceremony was held on 21 May during the annual BBH conference at the Französische Friedrichstadtkirche in Berlin.
It was for the first time this year that the jury decided to award the prize to two projects: the volunteer initiative “#emdenmacht – die große Freiwilligenaktion” and the inclusive sports club RB Zwickau.
The initiative “#emdenmacht – die große Freiwilligenaktion” brings citizens of Emden together for voluntary activities that make their living environment more attractive and protect the environment. Neighbours, friends, families, companies and school classes work together on projects such as creating flower meadows, preparing the outdoor swimming pool for the new season, cleaning waterways or building raised beds in a daycare centre. Prof. Dr. Christian Theobald, lawyer and partner at the BBH group, presented the prize and emphasised: “#emdenmacht impressively demonstrates how an urban initiative can emerge in which people take responsibility for their own environment, strengthen social interaction and promote sustainability.”
Presenter Mark Börgers, manager with general commercial power of attorney (Prokurist) of the municipal utility company Stadtwerke Emden, added: “#emdenmacht is more than just a voluntary activity. It is a way of showing solidarity and coming together as a community.” The prize was accepted by Theda Eilers and Sven Dübbelde as representatives of the initiative.
The sports club RB Zwickau e.V. is best known for its high-quality wheelchair basketball. However, the “RB” in the club’s name also stands for Rehabilitation (rehabilitation) and Bildung (education). Players and coaches initiated projects like "Rollstuhlbasketball macht Schule” (Wheelchair basketball goes to school) and “Bewegte Bande – grenzenlos” (Let’s get rolling – no limits), to combat prejudices against people with disabilities. The Wolf-Büttner Prize recognises the sports club’s educational work and inclusive sports offerings. “When schools talk about the love of sport with or without disabilities, or when children and young people with or without disabilities from difficult social backgrounds do sports together, democratic values are conveyed – and friendships are formed,” said BBH lawyer and partner Prof. Dr. Ines Zenke at the award ceremony.
Roland Warner, managing director of eins energie Sachsen, added in his speech: “The sports club shows that people with disabilities are perfectly capable of achieving outstanding results. And it cares for children from difficult backgrounds who need love and attention.” The prize was accepted by managing director Yvonne Förster and the president of RB Zwickau e.V Marco Förster.
The sculpture that embodies the Wolf-Büttner Prize is one of a kind. It was created by renowned Berlin painter and sculptor Matthias Zinn.
With more than 700 employees, 7,000 clients and 7 offices, the BBH group is a leading provider of advisory services to energy and infrastructure companies. Energy and supply companies (particularly public utilities, municipalities and local authorities), industrial companies and international groups are among its core clients. The BBH group assists these and many other companies and organisations from all business sectors with legal, business and strategic advice.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Ines Zenke
Rechtsanwältin/Lawyer, Partner
Phone +49 (0)30 611 28 40-179
ines.zenke@bbh-online.de
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