9th Annual MANDI Awards
By Gerry Ramos

From Left: Charita Bates (FMC Medical Asst.), Dr. Johnny Singson (PCCCF Trustee),
Dr. Violeta Singson (MANDI “Navigator Award” Finalist and
FMC Medical Director), Gerry Ramos (PCCCF Executive Director) and
Linda Ramos (FMC Clinic Administrator)

The 9th Annual MANDI (Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation) Awards ceremony was held at the Pfister Hotel last March 13, 2008. The awards honor non-profit community groups and their partners involved in revitalizing Milwaukee Neighborhoods.

Dr. Violeta Singson, a pediatrician who opened the doors of the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation, Inc (PCCCF) Free Medical Clinic that offers basic medical treatment, exams, screenings and routine immunizations for those who would otherwise not be able to afford care, was voted and received a plaque as one of the three finalists for the MANDI “Navigator Award”.

The “Navigator Award” recognizes an individual who has shown exemplary leadership in neighborhood development within a public or private community development entity. A staff person, board member or volunteer, the navigator is a dedicated individual who initiates change, has overcome obstacles, has attained accomplishments in the field, and truly demonstrates visionary leadership. Peter McAvoy, Vice President for Environmental Health at the 16th St. Community Health Center, who ultimately won the award, and Stella Love, the only African American woman nationwide to own a Ponderosa Steakhouse, were the other 2 finalists for the Navigator Award.

The Philippine Center Free Medical Clinic was featured in the audio visual presentation showing the projects of the finalists. The free clinic volunteer physicians, nurses, medical assistants, pharmacists, and registration staff were shown performing their service to the patients.

A view of the building showing the Philippine Center Free Medical Clinic sign started the presentation. Images of the patients queuing and waiting for their turn, as well as patients being treated, and leaving the facility with smiles on their faces, and showing their appreciation, highlighted the presentation.

James Marks, Vice –President and Director of Grant Programs of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF), commented to Gerry Ramos, PCCCF Executive Director, that the MANDI Awards night gave the Philippine Center the opportunity to showcase their work. He then requested that his congratulations be relayed to Dr. Violeta Singson, who was then busy having pictures taken with the other awardees. Mr. Marks was very instrumental in having the PCCCF receive a $35,000 GMF grant for 2008, the biggest grant the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation, Inc. has received to date.

Other grant provider representatives who helped get grants for the PCCCF like Cecelia Gore, Program Officer of the Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation, and Raejean M. Kanter, former Acting Executive Director of the Forest County Potawatomi Community Foundation, were also present. Their foundations still continue to give their yearly grants to the PCCCF Free Medical Clinic.