Local doctor wins second prize in ‘America Deserves a Raise’ Essay Contest
Pictured above is from (l to r) Violeta Singson, ‘America Deserves a Raise’ runner-up, Ben Silver of Advance America, Stephanie Schenkel, Advance America and Brenda Quinn, nominator.
Advance America, the nation’s leading provider of non-bank cash advance services, named Violeta Singson of West Berlin as the runner-up in the “America Deserves a Raise” campaign, a nationwide essay contest and sweepstakes to reward hardworking Americans for extraordinary service.
Singson and Milwaukee resident Brenda Quinn, who nominated her for the award, each received a $5,000 bonus check during a presentation event at a local Advance America center this morning.
In her winning submission, Quinn described Singson as someone who “never stops doing amazing things.” Singson operates her own medical practice that serves inner city children, teaches at a local medical college, and actively volunteers with a number of community groups. As Quinn wrote:
“This would be enough to earn her a raise. But Violeta has also established a free medical clinic, which operates two mornings a month and serves people regardless of race, age, gender, religion, employment or immigration status. Services and medications are provided to all absolutely free… Since the clinic opened its doors in October 2000, an estimated 2,200 people have been treated there.”
“America Deserves a Raise” sought to honor and reward hardworking Americans who demonstrate a strong commitment to their job and community. More than 5,000 people nominated someone they know, or themselves, for the contest’s Grand Prize by submitting essays explaining why a special individual “deserves a raise.” The general public was invited to read and rate the stories on the contest’s website to help determine the most deserving nominee, and more than 650,000 people participated.
“This campaign brings to life an ethic that is very important to our Company – supporting and applauding the efforts of those who continually seek to improve their communities and the lives of others,” said Ken Compton, Advance America president and CEO. “We are pleased to honor these individuals for their deep commitment to helping people in need and for recognizing the importance of such contributions to society.”
As part of the “America Deserves a Raise” campaign, the Company also donated $50,000 to United Way of the Piedmont and the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen to support activities in the local Spartanburg community, where Advance America is headquartered.