The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) has decided to cancel its 50th Anniversary Gala, scheduled for September 19, 2020, due to concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the risk that big-scale events continue to pose to the health and safety of the community. The health and social services organization hopes to celebrate its important half-century milestone instead on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at the Boston Marriott Hotel in Cambridge.

Initially scheduled for April 25, 2020, and later rescheduled for September, the MAPS 50th Anniversary Gala aimed to celebrate the rich history of the organization by honoring the “Builders of MAPS”, a group of more than 50 individuals who were instrumental in its creation, development, and expansion.

“After much internal discussion, we have decided to take the difficult step to cancel this year’s celebration to keep our guests, supporters, and staff members safe from potential exposure,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director. “50 years is an outstanding milestone for our organization, and we want to do it justice by having an even bigger celebration in 2021, with as many community members, friends, supporters, and MAPS ‘Builders’ as possible.”

The organization is still planning a Virtual Silent Auction fundraiser to coincide with the planned September 11th MAPS 3rd Annual Chip-in for Charity Golf Tournament, benefiting the MAPS Senior Center in Cambridge. More information about both fundraisers will be made public very soon.

MAPS thanks the many sponsors who have already confirmed their sponsorship for the 50+1 Anniversary Gala: Dunkin’ Franchise owners, the Cafua, Carvalho, Couto, Rodrigues, Sardinha, and Serpa families (Diamond Sponsors); Naveo Credit Union, Joe and Dorothy Chaves Foundation (Platinum Sponsors); Accutronics, Inc., East Cambridge Savings Bank (Gold Sponsors); Cambridge Health Alliance, MS Walker Imports (Silver Sponsors), Alnylam Pharmaceuticals; Cabot Risk Strategies, LLC; Cambridge Printing Company; Cruz Companies; Eastern Bank Foundation, Gilead Sciences, Rocco’s Restaurant and Bar, and S&F Concrete, (Bronze Sponsors).

MAPS also extends its gratitude to friends and supporters who have already purchased seating for the 50th Anniversary Gala. Their reservations are being automatically transferred to the new April 24, 2021 date. For more information regarding reservations, please contact Lucinda Morais, MAPS Administrative and Human Resources Manager, at 617-864-7600 or lmorais@maps-inc.org.