An exciting evening of inspiring award recipients, cultural entertainment, glamorous red carpet arrival, an online auction, and an elegant banquet helped the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) raise almost $190,000 at the nonprofit organization’s 2023 Awards Gala in Cambridge on April 22.

MAPS presented its Person of the Year Award to Cabo Verdean-American Manny Lopes, who was honored for his outstanding career dedicated to making healthcare accessible to underserved populations.

Currently the Executive Vice President, Public Markets and Government Relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Lopes worked for nearly three decades as President and Chief Executive Officer of East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, the largest community health center in the state.

Addressing the audience of more than 400 community leaders, entrepreneurs, public officials, and MAPS staff and volunteers, Lopes thanked MAPS for the recognition and highlighted the importance of community and authenticity, which “have the power to affect meaningful change.”

“I knew that it was a privilege to help care for my community, listen to my community, and, importantly, to be there for my community when they need me most,” said Lopes, who was introduced to the stage by MAPS CEO, Paulo Pinto, MPA, and MAPS Board President, Antonio Massa Viana, Esq. “That calling has informed my entire working career. If my experiences have taught me anything, it’s that community and authenticity have the power to affect meaningful change. So, as we move forward to face the challenges of tomorrow, let’s lean on each other and carry community with us.”

Brazilian-American Nailze Lima was honored with the MAPS 2023 Mary & Manuel Rogers Lifetime Community Service Award. For the past 27 years, she has worked as an Intake Worker, Support Staff, and Interpreter at Metrowest Legal Services, an organization that provides free civil legal aid to low-income people and victims of crime.

During her time there, Lima has helped countless low-income immigrants in the MetroWest region, especially in the Brazilian community, to access much-needed free legal services, navigate the U.S. legal system, and get connected to social services providers. She was welcomed to the stage by MAPS Board Member Mary Ann Lomba, MBA, representing Manny Rogers, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, who couldn’t attend the event.

“I am honored to speak with all of you tonight about my 27 years of working for MetroWest Legal Services,” said Lima. “Our work has been nothing short of life-changing for so many. And while there is much work to be done to ensure that people in the community have access to legal resources and representation that they need, I am confident that with continued dedication and support, we can build a brighter, more just future for all.”

Portuguese-American Paul Ferreira was introduced by Alvaro Lima, Director of Research for the Boston Planning and Development Agency, who presented him with the MAPS Alvaro Lima Outstanding Business Award. Ferreira was six years old when he and his family moved from Portugal to East Cambridge, Massachusetts.

For the past 25 years, he has owned Cambridge Printing Company, which he has expanded into a thriving business with an excellent reputation. Ferreira is also highly involved with the community, serving on the Board of Naveo Credit Union and East Cambridge Business Association. In addition, he is very supportive of many nonprofit, community-based organizations, including MAPS and others.

“I would like to thank the dedicated team at MAPS for this most memorable consideration and honor, as well as their commitment to the Portuguese-speaking community that we are all so proud to be a part of,” said Ferreira. “It really is amazing where life can take you. With deep gratitude and great appreciation, on behalf of myself, my family, and our team, a big heartfelt thank you for this very special moment and honor.”

Highlighting the importance of philanthropy and the resilience of immigrant communities, MAPS CEO Paulo Pinto congratulated all the honorees and gave special thanks to all the staff, Board members, business sponsors, media sponsors, advertisers, donors, guests, and entertainers who made the Gala a great success.

“Our immigrant communities are resilient and possess a strong desire to succeed. We have seen it first-hand in the stories of our own immigrant clients, staff, board, and many of you here tonight who have overcome great obstacles to achieve your dreams,” said Pinto. “While we celebrate that wonderful success, we cannot forget how important it is for us to continue to come together to raise much-needed resources to support those who are still struggling to achieve their dreams.”

The MAPS 2022 Awards Gala was once more sponsored at the highest level by Dunkin’ franchisees the Cafua, Couto, Serpa, and Sardinha families.

Representing the group of Dunkin’ sponsors, Mark Cafua, CEO of Cafua Management Company, took to the stage to present the Diamond Sponsor Greetings.

“Nothing could make us prouder than supporting an organization that does so much to help immigrants and their families overcome language, social and financial barriers to building healthy lives and successful communities,” said Cafua. “I want to thank MAPS for all you do for Portuguese-speaking immigrants and others. While our Dunkin’ franchises have helped to employ and feed community members for many decades, you have been assisting them in so many other important ways. We are very proud that MAPS runs on Dunkin’!”

Gala guests also had the opportunity to hear from Emerald Sponsors Philip Chaves, co-founder of the Joe & Dorothy Chaves Foundation, Andrea White, President and CEO of Naveo Credit Union, and MAPS 2022 Person of the Year, Gilda Nogueira, CEO of East Cambridge Savings Bank. Luis Pedroso, CEO of Emerald Sponsor Accutronics Inc., was unable to attend but was represented by his family.

The fundraising event was also sponsored by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals; Gilead Sciences (Gold); Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; Eastern Bank; Globo Travel & Latam Airlines (Silver); Cambridge Printing Company; Cambridge Savings Bank; Coelho Realty Group; Cruz Companies; M.S. Walker; Point32 Health; and S&F Concrete (Bronze).

From its glamorous Red Carpet reception to its awards ceremony, the black-tie-optional Gala was a festive evening punctuated with entertainment from the Portuguese-speaking world. Following the cocktail reception, the distinguished guests were welcomed to the Royal Sonesta’s beautiful ballroom by the lively rhythms of Brazil, performed by drumming ensemble Grooversity, and greeted by the evening’s co-hosts, MAPS Board members Susan Pacheco, Executive Director of the Cambridge Council on Aging, and Edna Monteiro Leith, District Multilingual and Multicultural Instructional Coach at Boston Public Schools.

After the delicious banquet, Brazilian duo Rafael Caires and Bruna Rosado entertained the Gala guests with exciting performances of Brazilian, Cabo Verdean, and Portuguese songs.

Following the Awards ceremony, guests took to the dance floor at the Gala’s after-party which ran until midnight under the command of DJ Adilson.

The Gala Online auction contributed greatly to the evening’s successful fundraising efforts, thanks to its many exciting items and experiences generously donated by Ana Ortins, Black Hat Photos, Casa Portugal Restaurant, CatDog Grooming Salon, Cummings Foundation, Frances Coutinho, Global Arts Live, Globo Travel & LATAM Airlines, Inman Square Wine & Spirits, Joe Rocha, Jose Santos, Josias Monteiro, Lois Josimovich, Manny Rogers, Manny Tavares, MAPS Admin Team, Mia Coutinho, Muqueca Restaurant, New England Picture, Pacheco Jewelers, Royal Sonesta, Sam Hickson, Victoria Franco, Washington Ramos, and Zoo New England.