The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) is seeking award nominations for its 2018 Awards Gala, which will take place for the third time at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, on April 28th of next year.
The private, nonprofit organization depends on its annual Gala fundraiser, as well as government contracts, private grants, individual donations and other resources, to keep offering much-needed culturally and linguistically competent health and social services for Brazilians, Cabo Verdeans, Portuguese and others. The Gala raises crucial funds to support these services, while also celebrating the many successes of the Portuguese-speaking communities in Massachusetts.
The Gala also honors distinguished individuals and organizations who have made great contributions to the lives of Portuguese speakers and other community members. MAPS invites everyone interested to submit nominations in five different award categories.
The nominations form can be found here, and entries must be submitted by Friday, September 15th, 2017 at 5 pm. The list of award recipients will be announced later this fall.
The organization hands out five awards at the yearly Gala: Outstanding Volunteer, Lifetime Community Service, Outstanding Business, Community Service, and the Person of the Year Award.
“Our Gala is a wonderful celebration of our vibrant and diverse cultures and a unique opportunity to promote union among the different Portuguese-speaking communities of Massachusetts,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director. “From generous business leaders committed to doing their part in the empowerment of our communities, to tireless volunteers and community leaders working daily to improve the lives of Portuguese-speakers in the state, we are humbled by the opportunity to honor 5 extraordinary role models and share their stories with our guests.”