Showcasing Women
By Audrey Hoffee of Journal Sentinel

Chevrolet and Macy's have teamed up to name Violeta A. Singson, a pediatrician and founder of the Free Medical Clinic, 2008 Milwaukee Woman of the Year.

The 2008 Chevy Malibu has features that are important to women, said Jennifer Costabile, regional marketing manager for Chevrolet. "We wanted to mimic the attributes of this car by recognizing a special local woman," she said, describing the new Women of the Year program launched in all Chevrolet markets.

Singson, 64, offers medical services every second and fourth Saturday morning to uninsured and underinsured individuals. "We treat people without a fee. All they need is a smile," she said.
She is an American citizen, born and educated in the Philippines and strongly attached to her community. Her goal is to build a permanent home for the Free Medical Clinic - at 535 N. 27th St. - in a building to be called the Philippine Center.

Singson will receive a trophy, a $5,000 shopping card for Macy's, which has a store in Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, and a $1,010 check for the charity of her choice, which is the Philippine Center Building Fund.

"A thousand dollars of the Macy's gift card will be donated for children's Christmas presents to be given during the Filipino-American Association of Wisconsin party in December," Singson said. "Macy's gift cards will also be shared with the Free Clinic Volunteers. And I will save a little for my family."