Home > News > MAPS Postpones 50th Anniversary Gala to September 19 Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) has decided to postpone its 50th Anniversary Gala to Saturday, September 19, 2020, due to concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the risk that big-scale events currently pose to the health and safety of the community.

The event was initially scheduled for April, but given the current pandemic, the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the fact that many cities across the state are advising against large gatherings of people, MAPS felt an obligation to put the health of the community first.

“This is a serious public health crisis,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director. “The health of our community is our number one priority, and we felt that having an event with more than 500 guests in April was not the most prudent way forward. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we thank our sponsors and advertisers for their understanding and continued support. We hope that this pandemic will be resolved soon, and we look forward to having a beautiful anniversary celebration, together with our community members, on September 19, 2020, at the Boston Marriott Cambridge Hotel.”

The health and social services organization thanks its friends and supporters who have already purchased their seating for the 50th Anniversary Gala, and informs them that their reservations are automatically transferred to the new September 19 date. If you need more information regarding your reservations, please contact Lucinda Morais, MAPS Administrative and Human Resources Manager, by calling 617-864-7600 or e-mailing lmorais@maps-inc.org.