By Amy McCullough
Columbus Enquirer Bureau

COLUMBUS - Charity groups raising cash for at-risk kids now have a chance to cash in on Cincinnati Reds fans' devotion to their team.

A bill moving through the Ohio House would allow fans to buy license plates with the Reds logo. Money from the sales would go to various charity programs, including one that sponsors a baseball team for at-risk youth.

The idea surfaced about 18 months ago, after a fan contacted Zach Bonkowski, events coordinator for the Cincinnati Reds, saying he noticed Cleveland fans had their teams' logo on their plates. "He asked why we didn't have it, and I said, 'Why don't we?' " Bonkowski said.

The Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers began offering team license plates in 1999 and the Indians in 2000. Bonkowski contacted Rep. Catherine Barrett, D-Cincinnati, who agreed to sponsor the legislation.

Plates with the Reds logo would cost an additional $45 plus tax. Still being worked out in committee is how much of that additional fee would go to a charity.

If the bill passes, the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund can allocate money to any local charity. Charley Frank, executive director of the fund, hopes the license plates raise as much as $150,000 and plans to spend much of it teaching ethics and values to poor and at-risk kids ages 8-11.

"Our priorities are to focus on youth in Greater Cincinnati ... and to create community partnerships that are tied to the game of baseball," he said.

A portion of the proceeds, for example, will go to the Reds Rookie Success League, which debuted last summer.

About 100 volunteers, including former Reds MVP George Foster, serve as coaches for children. Foster acts as the league's commissioner. The volunteers try to incorporate life lessons as they teach kids baseball.

Each child receives a free medical assessment and treatment, which "they normally might not be able to afford," Frank said.

Barrett said she hopes the legislation will help families, especially because people can make a difference in the community by supporting their favorite team.