Centro Romeu Cascaes to Celebrate 35 Years of Community Service

The Centro Romeu Cascaes Portuguese American Community Center, one of Harrison’s most cherished cultural institutions, is celebrating a major milestone in 2026, its 35th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the Center will host an elegant Black-Tie Anniversary Gala on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at its community center located at 14 North Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard in Harrison, New Jersey.

The gala promises an evening of reflection, celebration, and community support, with proceeds dedicated to preserving and renovating the historic building the Center Romeu Cascaes calls home.

A Legacy Rooted in Community: The Early Years

Founded in 1991 by a small group of Portuguese-American residents, the Centro Romeu Cascaes began as a visionary project to create a cultural home where Portuguese heritage could flourish in Harrison and the surrounding West Hudson communities. In addition, the founders recognized the importance of being part of the community as a whole and sponsorship events like American Citizen Drives to have its member become full citizens of the United States of America. Among those original founders was current Centro Romeu Cascaes President Delfim Sarabando.  Delfim did not start out as President but instead worked for many years on various commities and Board positions before taking the responsibility of being the President of the organization..

In its earliest years, the Centro purchased its first community building, establishing an official space for gatherings, cultural events, language preservation, youth activities, and support for newly arrived immigrants. As membership grew and programs expanded, it soon became clear that a larger, permanent home was needed.

The Move to 14 North Frank E. Rodgers Blvd.: A Home for Generations

Grand Opening Crowd At CRC Community Center Opening

The Centro initially purchased a modest building at 308 William Street which was later sold as part of the plan to purchase a larger building in the center of the Town of Harrison ultimately acquired its current location—a former Knights of Columbus Hall—located at the heart of Harrison’s downtown at 14 No. Frank E. Rodgers Blvd.. This two-story building, with an additional high-ceiling multipurpose room featuring a stage and wooden floor, became a hub for cultural life. Over the years, it has hosted countless community gatherings, Zumba classes, fundraisers, holiday celebrations, and civic meetings.  It also hosts the Portuguese-American school for children on its premises.

While the interior has been renovated and modernized, the exterior of the building now requires significant work to preserve its historic character and ensure it remains a cultural home for future generations. The 35th Anniversary Gala aims to raise the funds needed for these important exterior renovations.

A Night to Celebrate 35 Years

The Anniversary Gala will begin with a cocktail hour at 6:30 pm, followed by a formal dinner at 8:00 pm. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, dancing, and special recognitions honoring members—both past and present—who helped shape the Centro’s mission and success.

Tickets are $125 per adult, with all proceeds going directly toward preservation efforts for the building.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Investing in the Next 35 Years

To help support the renovation project, the Centro Romeu Cascaes has unveiled several sponsorship tiers for businesses, families, and individuals who wish to contribute to its mission:

Presenting Sponsor — $5,000

• Exclusive top billing as Presenting Sponsor
• Recognition in all press releases and media coverage
• Company logo prominently displayed on event signage, program, and slideshow
• Social media spotlight posts leading up to the event
• Full-page ad in the program booklet
• Verbal recognition from the stage
• Opportunity to speak during the event

Platinum Sponsor — $2,500

• Logo placement on event signage, program, and slideshow
• Social media recognition before and after the gala
• Half-page ad in the program booklet
• Verbal recognition during the event

Gold Sponsor — $1,000

• Logo listed on signage and event program
• Social media recognition
• Quarter-page ad in the program booklet

Community Sponsor — $250

• Name listed in the event program
• Social media thank-you post

Program Booklet Advertisements
Additional advertisement options are available at varying prices depending on size.

Those wishing to sponsor or place an ad may contact the Centro directly at [email protected] or by phone at (646) 897-4242

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