The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) raised $78,000 at the seventh edition of its Chip In for Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough, MA. The event was presented by Couto Management Group and Lafuente Sign & Awning and supported the health and social services organization’s senior center in Cambridge.

Co-chaired by Rui Domingos, President and CEO of MIT Federal Credit Union, and Walter Sousa, owner of Inman Square Wine and Spirits, the tournament gathered approximately 140 community members, business leaders, volunteers, and supporters.

“We could not be prouder of our community, who once again showed up in force to participate in the tournament and support our seniors,” said Rui Domingos. “It’s fantastic to see so many business leaders and friends make time out of their busy schedules to support such a worthy cause,” added Walter Sousa.

“I am deeply inspired by our community’s ongoing and remarkable generosity,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS CEO. “Thanks to the support of so many business and community leaders, we exceeded our fundraising goal of $75K and will be able to sustain and expand the activities of our MAPS Senior Center in Cambridge for another year.”

The MAPS Senior Center in Cambridge, open Mondays through Fridays, is a linguistically and culturally competent space designed to prevent isolation and promote wellness through case management and daily social and recreational activities, including exercise classes, arts and crafts, educational programs, and nutritious meals.

The best foursome of the tournament was composed of Manuel Garcia, Henrique Tavares, Carlos Tavares, and Tony Bolarinho. In second place were Humberto Oliveira, Richard Carty, Wallie Penniman, and Ken Crossen. The third place went to Tony Bernardo, Michael Mello, Michael Allen, and Keith Bernier. Michael McClain had the longest drive in the Men’s category, while Andrew Lafuente placed the ball closest to the pin. Alison Keating had the longest drive of the tournament in the Women’s category and Andrea White placed the ball closest to the pin.

The tournament was presented by Dunkin’ franchise owner Couto Management Group, and Lafuente Sign and Awning. Couto Management Group’s CEO, Salvi Couto, spoke during the Luncheon and highlighted his support for the MAPS Senior Center.

“We are very happy to be able to support our seniors and the work that MAPS does every day,” said Couto. “We know that America runs on Dunkin, but we are extremely proud to say that MAPS and the MAPS Senior Center also run on Dunkin.”

Andrew Lafuente, owner and CEO of Lafuente Sign and Awning, also expressed his gratitude for MAPS’ work in the community.

“I grew up looking up to some of the business leaders here today and admiring the work that MAPS does in the community,” said Lafuente. “Now that I am a business owner myself, I am proud to be able to sponsor the MAPS Chip In for Charity Golf Tournament and support MAPS’ work. MAPS and the Portuguese-speaking community can always count on me and the Lafuente family.”

The tournament was also sponsored at the Titanium level by Amigos da Terça, Auxzillium IT Services and Solutions, Brite Builders Incorporated, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Metalstone Technologies, MIT Federal Credit Union, and Naveo Credit Union.

A beverage cart made the rounds throughout the day, sponsored by Inman Square Wine & Spirits and J&F Construction, and lunch boxes were provided to all players, courtesy of Brum Flooring, Casa Portugal Restaurant, CLM Auto, and the Law Office of Isaac M. Machado.

The tournament was also made possible by the support of Golf Cart sponsors M.S. Walker, who presented players with a delicious tasting of Port wines, Performance Northeast, and S&F Concrete. 150 Yard Marker sponsors CAPA Donuts, Filomena’s Beauty & Hair Salon, Moody Street Group and Paulo Pinto; Tee/ Green sponsors Brum Flooring, Cambridge Printing Company, Cooperative Credit Union Association, Cruz Companies, Everclean Management Company Inc., Fred Fantini, Inman Square Hardware,  Leone McDonnell & Roberts, M.R.S. Specialty Services,  Sherwin Williams, Tim Toomey, and UG2.

Breakfast was provided to all attendees, sponsored by the Joe & Dorothy Chaves Family Foundation and Rogers & Hutchins Funeral Home. An online auction also helped MAPS raise much-needed funds in support of the center with donations from Augusto Gabriel and Jack Couto of M.S Walker, Inman Square Wine & Spirits, Juniper Hill Golf Course, Lake HVAC, Lisa and Richard Mandel, Rick Fernandes, and Wagner Floral Designs.

After the tournament, players were welcomed to the Luncheon banquet, sponsored by Pacheco Jewelers, by a group of MAPS seniors who gave out delicious homemade apple preserves that they lovingly prepared at the center to thank the players for their support. To learn more about the MAPS Chip in for Charity Golf Tournament, please visit maps-inc.org/golf.