Craigslist Founder Craig Newmark Supports Domestic Microfinance with Gift to ACCION USA

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 9, 2009

ACCION USA, a pioneer and recognized leader in U.S. microfinance, has been awarded a gift by Craigslist founder Craig Newmark, to support its person-to-person microlending activities on the Website Kiva.org.

Best known for founding the online community Craigslist, Mr. Newmark is a strong supporter of microfinance internationally. "ACCION USA's work in providing microfinance to small business owners here in the United States is commendable," said Mr. Newmark. "As a business owner myself, I understand that access to loans to grow a business is critical. I am proud to support ACCION USA's Kiva lending program."

According to Gina Harman, president and CEO at ACCION USA, the funds will help the organization continue its partnership with Kiva.org, a Website that connects entrepreneurs in need of business capital worldwide with individuals who make loans in $ 25 increments. Launched in June 2009, the partnership marked the first time that people could lend to entrepreneurs in the U.S. via the Kiva.org platform.

"Partnering with Kiva.org is a way for ACCION USA to raise both lending capital and the awareness of microloan services in the United States," said Ms. Harman. "We are thankful that Mr. Newmark chose this time of unprecedented economic challenge to support our efforts in making capital accessible to U.S. business owners."

Mr. Newmark joins a growing list of high-profile entrepreneurs who have made investments in ACCION USA's microfinance lending program, including clothing designer Tory Burch, author Cheryl Saban, and craft-brewer Jim Koch, founder of the Boston Beer Company and Samuel Adams.

About ACCION USA

ACCION USA is a leading U.S. microfinance organization that provides access to capital and financial education to low- and moderate-income individuals, primarily minorities and women. A pioneer and recognized leader in U.S. microfinance, ACCION USA empowers individuals to create sustainable businesses, increase family incomes, and contribute to the economic development of cities across the U.S. Since inception in 1991, ACCION USA has provided over $ 118 million in small business loans ranging from $ 500 to $ 50,000, offered nationwide via the ACCION USA online lending platform. For more information about small business loans, visit http://www.accionusa.org

About Kiva.org:

Kiva.org is the world's first micro-lending website for the working poor, empowering individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. Founded in 2005, Kiva.org's mission is to connect people, through lending, to alleviate poverty. Over 585,000 people have loaned more than $ 100 million to 249,000 entrepreneurs in 49 countries. Currently, loans made through Kiva.org have a 98% repayment rate. Kiva.org is headquartered in San Francisco.

###

Find More Tory Burch Press Releases

Law Firm Supports Staff as Sponsor of Juvenile Diabetes Walk

Niskayuna, N.Y. (PRWEB) September 17, 2009

Martin, Harding & Mazzotti is pleased to help sponsor the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Walk to Cure Diabetes on September 20, 2009 in Albany, N.Y. Martin, Harding & Mazzotti will be sponsoring the Kids' Activities and Pet Oasis at the walk.

"We are very happy to be involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk this year," said Rosemarie Bogdan, partner at Martin, Harding & Mazzotti. "As a parent of a Type 1 diabetic, it is wonderful to see so many people walking to raise money, fund research and ultimately find a cure."

The law firm partner has planned many kid and pet-friendly pre-walk activities. Clowns, helium balloons, bouncy bounces, face painting and sugar-free snow cones are on the agenda for the children, as well as doggy handkerchiefs, treats and water for their furry friends.

Bogdan's desire to battle Type 1 Diabetes started two weeks after her son Drew was diagnosed at the age of three. Drew was diagnosed on April Fool's Day, but at no time has his health been a joke to his family. To Bogdan, volunteering with the JDRF is a way to take out the frustrations she has for the ailment plaguing her child, and refocus that energy into battling the life-long disease.

Bogdan is the Government Relations Chair for the JDRF Chapter of Northeastern New York (JDRF NENY). Her chapter raises approximately $ 2 million of the more than $ 150 million raised by the entire international organization per year. According to JDRF.org, typically, more than 85 percent of JDRF expenditures directly support research and research-related education on Type 1 Diabetes.

The JDRF supports and ensures researchers form collaborative efforts for fighting Diabetes. All findings made by researchers funded by the JDRF are required to be shared with Diabetes researchers around the world. There is no competition amongst researchers, only cooperation.

The entire Martin, Harding & Mazzotti staff is slated to volunteer at the walk, helping their buddy Drew and his mom. "Everyone in the office is very supportive of my son and our dedication to the foundation," continued Bogdan. "With their help, the help of all the volunteers, and the folks at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, I am confident we will stomp this disease out."

"We are very proud to help out one of our own," said Paul B. Harding, managing partner of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti. "The [JDRF] walk is a great way for our firm and our neighbors to not only come together and help out Rosemarie and Drew, but also to help all families who are working hard to keep their children safe, happy and healthy."

About Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP

Founded in 1994, Martin, Harding & Mazzotti is a personal injury law firm with offices in Upstate New York and new offices in Utica and Manchester, VT. The firm has attorneys licensed in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Michigan, District of Columbia and California. The firm sponsors and supports extensive community outreach programs promoting personal safety and will continue to do so in the future. Martin, Harding & Mazzotti is honored to have been voted "Best Law Firm" in the 2008 Times Union Readers' Poll. For more information, visit 1800LAW1010.com.

About Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International

JDRF is the leader in research leading to a cure for Type 1 Diabetes in the world. It sets the global agenda for diabetes research, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $ 1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $ 156 million in Fiscal Year 2008. In Fiscal Year 2008, the Foundation funded more than 1,000 centers, grants in laboratories, hospitals, and industry, and fellowships in 22 countries.

2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes 5K

Saturday September 20, 2009

Key Bank, 22 Corporate Woods, Albany, NY

Check In: 9:00 AM

Start: 11:00 AM

Rain or Shine

For more information call 518-477-2873

# # #

Find More Handkerchief Press Releases