By Howard Wilkinson
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Buying a bratwurst and beer at Great American Ball Park is not exactly an act of philanthropy - but chances are, it's doing someone some good.

On any given day or night at the Reds' home field, as many as 90 percent of Great American's 30-plus concession stands are being staffed by volunteers from community organizations, church groups, high school booster clubs and a host of other nonprofits.

It is a fund-raising program sponsored by the Reds' concession company, Sportservice, that is sparing the organizations that participate a lot of time selling candy bars, washing cars and putting on spaghetti suppers.

Groups that work a minimum of 10 games make anywhere from $2,500 to $50,000, depending on the size of the baseball crowds and the volume of business.

"A lot of the groups that work the concession stands don't have to do anything else all year to raise money," said Ryan Minton, fund-raising manager for Sportservice. "The more they work, the more they make."

Organizations that work from 10 to 19 games take away 10 percent of the net sales from their concession stand. Those that staff the booths for 20 games or more get 11 percent, plus bonuses.

The program is good for Sportservice, too - it needs fewer part-time workers to operate beer spigots, grill dogs and ring up sales.

Sportservice's 2004 calendar of 81 home games is fast filling up, but Minton said openings remain - particularly in August and September.

Among organizations that have participated: Xavier University Rowing Club, Moeller High School Hockey Parents, Greater Cincinnati Church of God and Lakota Lazers softball team.

Steve Barnhill organizes the concession stand teams for the Boone County High School Marching Band Parents Club, which worked 11 games last year and will do at least 10 this year. About 40 parents participate, Barnhill said, and the group uses 15 to 17 of them per game to staff a concession stand.

The Boone County band parents divide profits, using the money to offset the $600 they have to pay each year to have their kids participate in the marching band, Barnhill said.

"If you get $50 per game and work 10 games, you've just about taken care of it," Barnhill said.

Requirements for volunteers: You must be 19 (to serve beer) and must take a four-hour training course in March.

For more information, call Minton at (513) 765-7585 or e-mail cminton@dncinc.com

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E-mail hwilkinson@enquirer.com