Only $25,000 to go.

Libby Carr, co-chair of the Seattle Statue of Liberty Plaza Project, reported last Saturday - with 10 days to go - that pledges and donations after expenses, totaled within $25,000 of their goal.

The last day for fund-raising, set by the Mayor's office, is next Tuesday.

"At midnight on January 15, we're stopping active solicitation," said Carr, "although we can still receive donations after that."

Later that week she, and her husband and co-chair Paul, will call the Parks Department with a final number.

Having a final date has had a positive effect.

"It's been nice to set a deadline," said Carr. "We get more people realizing 'Shoot! I better get my forms filled out.'"

The gala fund-raiser at Duke's Chowder House on Dec. 27 raised $20,000, including $5,000 presented by Walter Reese, a comptroller for Nucor Steel. A Dec. 30 financial report posted by the committee showed it was $45,000 short. In the last week, another $20,000 has come in.

The city, including its pledge of $50,000, has agreed to build as much of the project as the committee can afford from the funds it raised.

"I think we'll go nicely over the top," said Carr. "We're looking to build the whole thing."

Architects estimated in September that construction for a taller pedestal under the statue, a surrounding, brick-paved plaza with 14 benches, plus landscaping, would total $157,000.

Since then, construction costs have increased, notably concrete, said Carr. And people have asked for backs to benches, which weren't included in the original design.

"We want to go over our goal to have a bit of a cushion to cover any cost overruns," she said.

Local artist Noelle Ferwerda bought a bench. An anonymous donor bought a bench, then came back and bought a second.

Three plaques mark benches now, at the statue where it stands on its old pedestal. One family wants to keep its plaque at the new plaza. A second has decided to move its to another location at Alki Beach. A third family hasn't been reached by the Seattle Parks Department.

Five benches and three landscape plaques remain to be sold.

"And there's plenty of room for major donors on the new pedestal," said Carr.

Less than 1,000 bricks have been sold for a plaza designed to hold 6,000.

To encourage more brick sales, the committee is continuing its holiday promotions. Donors who buy two inscribed bricks, get a third one free. People who volunteer three hours promoting the plaza can earn a brick.

Lastly, Carr has started a "viral" e-mail campaign. Her husband has designed a PDF document that can be forwarded to friends and family, encouraging them to contribute before Jan. 15.

"We will have to push hard for the last 10 days," said Carr. "But we're confident we'll make the goal."

For more information, go to www.sealady.org, e-mail info@sealady.org, or call 206-938-8720 or 206-938-8721.

Matthew G. Miller may be reached via wseditor@robinsonnews.com