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‘Patches Pals’ have a chance to snag one of the first new state license plates that honor the long-running TV show.

From 1958 to 1981, western Washington kids grew up watching clowns J.P. Patches, his girlfriend Gertrude, and a cast of characters.

“It wasn’t mean centered. It was very kind-hearted and fun,” says longtime fan Curt Hanks, who operates .

J.P. Patches’ legacy lives on in the Pacific Northwest

He’s excited about the new license plate that will honor the children’s show.

The plate features J.P. Patches and Gertrude as well as the words ‘Patches Pal,’ which is what young fans of the show were called.

The plate will be available from the State Department of Licensing in October, but 20 are currently being auctioned off online until July 31.

The money will benefit cancer research at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Hanks says the late actors who portrayed J.P. and Gertrude — Chris Wedes and Bob Newman — had a long relationship with the hospital going back to the early 1960s.

“It’s always been J.P.’s charity of choice and J.P. and Gertrude often visited the hospital, entertaining patients, families, and staff.”

For more information on the auction, go to .