The Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati, a non-profit dedicated to teaching adults and children how to read, has been named the recipient of the 2014 Great American Insurance Run, sponsored by the Great American Insurance Group.

Great American Insurance Group will donate $250 for each “Insurance Run” scored by the Cincinnati Reds in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings at Great American Ball Park during the 2014 season. An “Insurance Run” is scored in the late innings of a game when the leading team is only ahead by one or two runs, and provides a margin of safety against a rally by the opposing team.

“This is a grand-slam for improving literacy in our city and I am so grateful to the Great American Insurance Group for their commitment to improving education and supporting those in our city who struggle with basic reading,” said Kathy Allen Ciarla, president of the Literacy Network. “The funding is going to change lives for the better and help create a more viable community!”

The Literacy Network offers free classes to adults who read below a fourth grade level and are functionally illiterate. Specialized classes for children with dyslexia or severe reading deficiencies are held in various schools throughout the area and over 1300 tutors have been placed this year to work one-on-one with children in k-4th grades who are behind in reading. In addition, the Literacy Network is the home of Winners Walk Tall, a character building program for youth. Currently 100 character coaches are volunteering in 36 elementary schools.

The Literacy Network is funded solely by private donations, grants and fundraising efforts. “The generous support of the Great American Insurance Group will insure our success to continue offering proven programs that get results,” said Ciarla. “We are honored to be picked as the recipient and thank the Cincinnati Reds for their support.”