The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) is inviting the community to attend the organization’s 2019 fundraising Awards Gala, scheduled to take place in April 27, 2019, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, in Cambridge, MA. The black-tie optional event honors outstanding community leaders for their contributions to the betterment of the Portuguese-speaking communities of Massachusetts, celebrates the communities’ diversity and culture, and raises crucial funds to support the many services provided by the nonprofit organization.

Framingham City Councilor Margareth Shepard will receive the MAPS 2019 Person of the Year Award. She is the first Brazilian immigrant elected to a City Council position in the United States, and had already served the community for several years as an advocate for immigrant rights and democratic engagement.

The Boston Police Department’ Cabo Verdean Police Association will receive the MAPS 2019 Jorge Fidalgo Community Service Award. The group was founded in 2014 with the mission of addressing problems in the city’s Cabo Verdean community, and aims to overcome language barriers, promote youth development and mentoring.

Fernanda Rocha, a Brazilian advocate, founder and president of a support group for Brazilian mothers of autistic children in Everett, MA, will be receiving the MAPS 2019 Manuel N. Coutinho Outstanding Volunteer Award.

The MAPS 2019 Álvaro Lima Oustanding Business Award will honor two prominent business leaders in the Portuguese community – Joseph Cerqueira, co-owner of the Rocco’s Restaurant and Bar in Wilmington, MA, and Walter Sousa, owner of Inman Square Wine & Spirits in Cambridge– for their continued support of MAPS and other community organizations.

The MAPS 2019 Mary & Manuel Roger Lifetime Community Service Award will be presented to the Chaves Family, of Arlington, represented by Dorothy, Mark, Philip and Jake Chaves. The foundation they created in 2010 in honor of the late Joe Chaves holds an annual 5-K Walk/ Run to raises funds to support several scholarships, the MAPS Citizenship program, and the Bunker Hill Community College, where Joe taught.

The MAPS 2019 Awards Gala is presented by Diamond Sponsors Dunkin’ franchisees Apres, Cafua, Couto and Riverside Management Groups, and the Sardinha Family. The event is also sponsored by Naveo Credit Union (Platinum Sponsor), East Cambridge Savings Bank (Gold Sponsor), Accutronics Inc and Cambridge Health Alliance (Silver Sponsors), Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge Printing Company, Cruz Companies, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Globo Travel and LATAM Airlines, Rocco’s Restaurant and Bar, S&F Concrete, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Bronze Sponsors).