Merlinoâs big ideas
(copyright) 2000, THE PLAIN DEALER
Distributed by Cleveland Plain Dealer
Published: Tuesday, March 14, 2000
Section: THIS WEEK'S NEWS
Nell Merlino dreams of convincing every American women to contribute a minimum of $5 to create a national fund for women
and girls. Her ambitious Count Me In project gets off the ground tomorrow, when its Web site opens up for donations at
http://www.count-me-in.org
The money will be used to grant loans ranging from $500 to $10,000 to women business owners, who tend to lack access to credit. Merlino hopes to make the first loans by July.
But before any loans are made, money must be raised. Merlino is traveling the country to spread the word and woo corporate support. "As soon as we explain our simple concept - of women raising money to be redistributed to women in the form of small business loans and scholarships - women and men want to make a contribution, tell their friends and organize Count Me In events," says Merlino. "At an organizing event in Los Angeles last week, one very generous woman, Peg Yorkin, gave us $100,000 after she heard our presentation."
For more information, check out the Web site, call l-888-856-9811 beginning tomorrow or write Count Me In For Womenâs Economic Independence, Box 96064, Washington, DC 20090.
