Stewart asks donors to help restore National Mall

[October 06, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are taking on causes more serious than a mock feud when they lead dueling political rallies on the National Mall later this month.

"The Daily Show" host announced Monday on NPR that he will ask attendees at his Oct. 30 "Rally to Restore Sanity" to donate to help restore the National Mall. The park has a $400 million backlog of deferred maintenance.

On his rally website, Stewart says "we're a little afraid that you might make a mess."

Stewart selected the Trust for the National Mall as his charity of choice. The group's president, Caroline Cunningham, says they're grateful for the exposure.

Colbert, host of "The Colbert Report," is asking attendees at his "Keep Fear Alive" march to donate to Donors Choose, which raises money for school supplies.

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Online:

Rally to Restore Sanity:
http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/

March to Keep Fear Alive:
http://www.keepfearalive.com/

[Associated Press; By BRETT ZONGKER]

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