And so it begins.

The DonorsChoose 2008 Blogger's Challenge has begun. And lo, I am asking you for money.

I must have all kinds of nerve, asking for money at a time like this. The banks are imploding. Our retirement accounts are too depressing to look at. Gas is expensive. Groceries are ridiculous. Buying a nice pair of shoes is, tragically, out of the question. We're all suffering. So! What better time to contribute a little something to the greater good?

Take a look at my challenge page . I've listed a whole bunch of literacy projects, but by no means are those the only projects I want to help fund. If there's a project you want me to include on my challenge page, please speak up, and I'll add it. If there's a topic of interest you want to see represented—science, math, gym, you name it—tell me, and I'll find some projects that fit.

I'm going to give away a whole bunch of copies of "Sleep is for the Weak," and possibly there are some other gifts coming as well. And I have a generous matching offer—if I make it over $25K, the next $12.5K will be matched.

Last year Tomato Nation won the blogger challenge, raising over $100,000 (let us repeat—that's one hundred thousand dollars) and in return, she spent the day dressed as a tomato. She also danced around Rockefeller Center. As a tomato. I bow to her excellence. But now I must destroy her.

If I win the Blogger Challenge, I will reenact Pat Benatar's video "Love is a Battlefield" in its entirety. (EDITED TO ADD: I forgot to thank brilliant reader Jessica Torres for the idea. Thank you, Jessica! I think!)

Imagine this, if you can.

Imagine the costumes. Will there be dancing? You bet your ass. I will use my family as cast members. Yes, that includes Henry. Will he be one of the dancers? Who can say? I can. But I won't, yet. My husband is a talented filmmaker, people. This could be really funny.

But I need to win first. So. You know what you have to do.

Let's get started.

Comments

[Leslie]

I was going to suggest an interpretive dance to MacArthur Park, but I think this may be better! I made a donation. Start warming up for that shoulder shimmy!

[kris]

There was little doubt that you were a complete rock star before, but this only confirms it. So awesome.

[Bertha]

Crap, my Donors Choose loyalties have always lied with Sars of Tomato Nation, but now that you're throwing your hat into the ring, AND promising Pat Benatar reenactments...oh, this is like a Sophie's Choice thing. I guess I will just have to donate to both of you equally. Sigh.

[Mrs. Who]

I LOVE your blog. And can't wait to see you doing that chest shimmy dance.

[Pretty Jane]

I LOVE ALICE.

[Jennifer]

You inspired me to donate.

[Misty]

my favorite line..."I bow to her excellence. But now I must destroy her."...love it!

I have been a fan for a long time! Now I can share with other women on my new site - My Inspiration Lounge, a one-of-a-kind online portal connecting women to the best of the web.

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you will rock this challenge! misty

[Michelle]

I absolutely love the Pat Benatar re-enactment idea. Looking forward to it!

[pseudostoops]

Very much looking forwarding to the costuming for this musical reenactment.

[Sars]

[bows deeply out of respect for fearsome enemy]

No promises, no demands. IT'S ON.

[Cyndi]

What was Pat Benatar doing living at home at 35 anyway? This may just be the best ever incentive to give generously.

[You can call me, 'Sir']

Well, it means that I have to sell grandma's iron lung, but if it'll get you to defile yourself all 80s like, then count me in!!

[Michael Sippey]

[this is good]

[Michele]

Well heck, I'll donate for that. Are you going to be able to get the lip synching slightly off-tempo like Pat Benatar?

[Ani]

And if THAT doesn't loosen up the wallets, nothing will. I'm laughing already

[jacqueline]

Well, Alice, I am doing this little Blogger Challenge too... and I bet I raise my little $257 faster then you raise your thousands. So there! No, I knew I couldn't compete with you big girls so I just am testing the waters with my little challenge and if I can send these kids to the beach I'll be a happy blogger. Best of luck to you! - Jackie

[Alyce]

I was always told not to throw things in the house, so I'll set this gauntlet down. Did you know Sars shaved her head a couple of years ago when we blew past her challenge goal? Oh yes. She did.

I'm just saying...

[die Frau]

A guy from my high school actually started DonorsChoose...what a great idea. I've known about it since its inception and am so glad it's so successful!

Alice, even though I'm a teacher and want to find a project to put on DonorsChoose, I may just have to donate to you.

Now I'm off to put another notch in my lipstick case (I know, different song but same idea of 80s badass-ness).

[Kelley]

You are awesome, Alice! My mother and my husband are both teachers at poverty schools, and I have never heard of this organinzation. I think it is a fantastic idea! I put a link up on my blog, as I would really love to see the Pat Bennetar reenactment!

[Kelley]

And that's Benatar not Bennetar....Duh!

[C]

You are so great, Alice!!

It's almost impossible to choose between these great literacy efforts.

And what they're doing reminds me of another cause I'm passionate about, which dovetails well with what these teachers are seeking to accomplish. Not sure if you'd be able to add something like this: http://www.cfy.org/

GOOD LUCK! And thanks on behalf of all of us for making such a difference for young people.

[Sabrina]

How long does this go on for? I'd love to make a larger donation when I get some refund money back from my college, but that won't be for another few weeks... should I just give a smaller amount now so I don't "miss" my timeline for helping you become Pat Benetar?

[Sue]

Thanks to the lovely people on this Blog that donated to the proposal below. These Hi-risk students need all the support we can give them before they leave elementary school and continue to middle school. These cassette players will certainly help them listen to books. We are now half way funded and hopefully we'll be able fully funded soon! Thanks again for your generosity and thoughtfulness.http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=188591&verify=-2105086836&zone=0

[jdg]

I will donate if you can get Doug French in a toupee to play your dad.

can't wait for the booby-shakin' hooker vs. pimp dance!

[NessyTaus]

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