The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) is collecting nominations of distinguished community members to be honored with the agency’s awards at its 2011Annual Awards Gala, to take place April 30, 2011, at the Marriott Cambridge Hotel. Nominations can be submitted by September 8, 2010, at 5 pm, through the Gala Nominations page.
Award recipients are people whose hard work and commitment have made a difference in the lives of the Portuguese-speaking communities of Massachusetts. A list of previous recipients in four different award categories is also available on the organization’s website. It includes Secretary of State William Galvin, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Cape Verdean community leader Isaura Mendes, among many others.
“It takes a lot of energy and altruism to advocate for and serve the immigrant communities,” said Joseph J. Vasconcelos, President of MAPS’ Board of Directors. “We offer those awards in recognition of their dedication and to encourage them to keep on doing this crucial work, as well as inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
Leading the preparations for the 2011 Gala are co-chairs Elizabeth Chaves and Antonia Alves. Chaves represents MAPS’ Board of Directors, of which she is the Treasurer. She is a former MAPS Director of Finances and co-hosted the Gala in 2007. She currently works as a financial consultant in Cambridge.
Elizabeth Chaves
“I’m a witness of what MAPS can do for the community and how important the Gala is to make sure the agency keep helping thousands of Portuguese-speakers in Massachusetts,” said Chaves. “I am very excited to be deeply involved with the Gala one more time and to see all the Portuguese-speaking communities come together as one.”
Alves has been working for MAPS for almost five years as Case Manager and Driver Alcohol Education Program Coordinator.
Antonia Alves
“I am honored to represent the great team we have at MAPS in such an important assignment,” said Alves. “I can’t wait to get started and make sure we’ll have a wonderful celebration.”
The Annual Awards Gala is MAPS’ largest fundraiser and supports the many social and health services that the agency provides to Brazilians, Cape Verdeans, Portuguese and other community members. Last May, MAPS held its highly successful 40th Anniversary Awards Gala.
“We had such a memorable night this year, and we want our next Gala to be just as glamorous and inspiring,” said Paulo Pinto, MAPS’ Executive Director.
