Merisel Foundation Impacts Local Communities; Assists Needy in California, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Illinois

Business Wire, Dec 24, 1998

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 24, 1998--Merisel Inc. (Nasdaq:MSEL), a leader in the distribution of computer hardware and software products, Thursday announced that its non-profit, associate-run Merisel Foundation is making accelerated efforts to spread holiday cheer to local charities this season.

Working year-round, the Merisel Foundation supports non-profit organizations in the areas of education, the arts, health and medicine, social issues, emergency relief and environmental concerns.

"While Merisel distributes some of the most well-known computer products in the industry, Merisel itself does not have a household name," said Dwight Steffensen, Merisel chairman and CEO. "Despite the fact that Merisel is a Fortune 500 Company and well-recognized in our industry, the people who live in our communities may not be familiar with who we are and what we do.

"However, by donating time and money, the Merisel Foundation and our associate volunteers are really making an impact and are receiving appreciation from our local communities. I'm very proud of what the Merisel Foundation is accomplishing for those who need our assistance the most during the holiday season and throughout the year," continued Steffensen.

As part of its many holiday efforts, the Merisel Foundation is donating time, money, food and toys to local communities in each area where the Foundation operates chapters:

El Segundo

The El Segundo chapter just completed its Toys for Tots drive to brighten the holidays for needy children. Associates donated more than 350 toys to support this event. The Merisel Foundation also recently completed its annual food drive for the Los Angeles Food Finders, contributing cash donations, as well as 1,926 pounds of food to the organization.

Additional efforts include a Holiday Book Fair, that raised money to support T.R.E.E., Technology for Results in Elementary Education; a wreath-decorating contest, from which the wreaths were donated to local convalescent hospitals and shelters; and a donation to the El Segundo High School Theater.

Merisel associates also contributed to a fund for one Merisel runner who raised $3,660 for a marathon supporting the Leukemia Society of America. To kick off the new year, the El Segundo chapter will be hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross on Jan. 7, 1999.

Cary, N.C.

For the holidays, Merisel Foundation members donated time and food to the Helping Hands Mission of Cary. They also supported Adopt-a-Family and were able to provide gifts, food and clothing to a single mother with a family of five children. In addition to donating goods, the associates participated in the Foundation's Holiday Book Fair to raise funds for the family.

Chicago

The Merisel Foundation chapter in Chicago sponsored a holiday food drive, through which associates donated food to the Chicago Mission for the Homeless.

Marlborough, Mass.

Marlborough associates brought in cash and food to benefit the Worcester County Food Bank. The chapter also supported Adopt-a-Child by bringing in holiday gifts totaling approximately $1,300, enough to support 36 children.

All Chapters

Throughout the year, all Merisel Foundation chapters support local and national runs and walks that benefit non-profit organizations. In addition in 1998, the Foundation gave $18,000 in grants to local and national organizations. The group hosted multiple blood drives, for which Merisel received an award for the most blood donated for a company of its size.

The Foundation also held multiple book fairs and supported many associate-sponsored "jeans days" with proceeds going to national non-profit organizations.

The Merisel Foundation, established in 1993, is an associate-run charitable foundation offering all Merisel associates, as well as members of the community, the opportunity to contribute to charitable causes. The Foundation develops relationships with various charities; educates associates about local and national concerns; and provides time, money and resources to the non-profit community.

Foundation board members meet biweekly, publish calendars of community events, host on-site fundraisers and encourage associate involvement with a wide variety of organizations. Regional chapters of the Merisel Foundation are located in El Segundo, Chicago, Cary and Marlborough.

Merisel is a leader in the distribution of computer hardware and software products. Based in El Segundo, Merisel is a Fortune 500 Company with reported 1997 sales of $4.05 billion. Merisel distributes a full line of 25,000 products and services from the industry's leading manufacturers to resellers throughout North America.

In addition, the company provides a full range of customized, value-added services. Merisel also offers dedicated support to high-end resellers through the Merisel Open Computing Alliance (MOCA), a specialty division for Sun Microsystems and third-party products. Merisel's corporate Web site is located at www.merisel.com.