A cross-section of Dorchester leaders and Boston Police officers of Cape Verdean descent will host a gala fundraiser at Venezia restaurant in Port Norfolk next weekend to raise funds for a non-profit that plans to build a multi-purpose sports court in Cabo Verde.
The event, hosted by the Cape Verdean Police Association and the Boston Paper Project, will take place on Sat., Nov. 8, from 7 p.m. to midnight.
The effort, led by Dorchester’s Piter Brandao, was inspired by his 2024 visit to his family’s village in Sao Jorge on the island of Fogo. Brandao watched with interest as several children enthusiastically played soccer in the street – but instead of kicking a ball, they were using a waded up piece of paper.
“In a moment of ignorance, I asked the children where their soccer ball was, and they responded that they did not have one,” says Brandao. “I headed to the main city to purchase the soccer balls for them to find out there were none available. I couldn’t quite understand how a whole island in Africa did not have one soccer ball for sale.”
Brandao, who operates Pleasant Entertainment events company, has formed the Boston Paper Project to build an all-sports court in the village on land already in hand – introducing street hockey for the first time, and bringing volleyball, tennis, soccer, basketball, wiffle ball and other sports to the village.
“Outside of the main city, there were really no other basketball courts,” he said.
Other sponsors for the gala include Bill and Denise Richard of the Martin Richard Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester, The Mix Restaurant, Estella Restaurant, and others.
“We are inspired by Piter’s determination to create opportunities for kids in both his hometown of Dorchester as well as his family’s village in Cape Verde,” said Bill and Denise Richard. “Providing access to recreational space is always important to our family and our Foundation. We are honored to support Piter’s efforts and encourage others to get involved.”
“We are almost at our goal with ticket sales right now, and we are hoping to reach 200 tickets sold soon,” added Brandao, who said the follow-up will be to collect used sports equipment to send there.
More information on the organization and the gala can be found online at oneof100.regfox.com/boston-paper-project.
