MAPS Celebrates 40 Years of Serving the Portuguese-Speaking Community
MAPS celebrated its 40th Anniversary on Saturday, May 8, 2010 with a festive Awards Gala at the Cambridge Marriott. It was a fabulous homecoming here in the city where the agency originated in 1970, and where our headquarters is still located today at 1046 Cambridge Street.
The Gala included an elegant social hour with a Red Carpet reception attended by “paparazzi” from the local Portuguese-speaking media, followed by a delicious banquet for nearly 400 guests, and an awards ceremony for five individuals who have contributed much to the communities served by MAPS throughout greater Boston, greater Lowell and Framingham.
There were many other special touches and surprises, including a 40th Anniversary video about MAPS created by MAPS community members to show at the Gala, and another congratulations video sent to us by Today Show co-anchor Meredith Vieira for the occasion.
We appreciate the support of all our guests, our Sponsors (shown at left), everyone who advertised in the program book or donated Silent Auction and Raffle prizes, our lovely co-hosts–Board member Sarah De Oliveira and staff member Dulce Almeida–and our distinguished Honorary Committee members for this special 40th Anniversary celebration. 
Special thanks also to all our Board members, staff, volunteers, community partners, and especially to our members, Founders and funders who have helped MAPS grow to what it is today. It is only with all your support that we are able to serve thousands of Brazilians, Cape Verdeans, Portuguese and others each year.
For all the details about the Gala and many more photos, please see the full press release! You can also view the video taken of the 40th Anniversary Gala highlights. More photos from our paparazzi are being linked here and are available for sale on their websites. Photos
You can also visit the other links below and at left for more information.
Photos on this page provided by José Ronaldo of O Favorito, and by Paulo Pacheco
