Whistle Stop Clay Works donation honors frequent patron
By: Chuck Gibson
Some of the ‘Peace Dove’ ornaments sold during holidays to benefit CTRH (Photo: Provided)
LOVELAND – Proceeds from sales of special holiday ornaments created by Whistle Stop Clay Works are donated to a non-profit organization selected by the Loveland studio each year. This year Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship (CTHR) was chosen to receive the $1,450 funds raised in honor of Kimmy Strong. She is a well-known frequent visitor to the clay pottery studio.
“Kimmy has been coming to the studio for over two years. She loves to work with clay and paint pottery,” said Mari Brock, a studio instructor. “When Kimmy first started coming here, she was in a wheel chair. But after she had been riding horses for a while, she began walking into the studio. She was beaming with pride. We were all so happy for her.”
It is a Whistle Stop Clay Works tradition to give away unglazed holiday ornaments during the Christmas in Loveland celebration held each December throughout Historic Downtown Loveland. This year they created and distributed 400 peace dove ornaments free to local residents. Ceramic artists also hand-painted some “Peace Dove Ornaments” to raise money for CTHR.
“When we saw the positive impact that equine therapy had on Kimmy, and how it helped her independence and self-esteem, it seemed only natural to raise funds in her honor to support CTHR,” said Bonnie McNett, studio manager. “Response from the surrounding community was overwhelming.”
The studio sold 145 ornaments which translated into $1,450 for the non-profit.
“It is wonderful to make this donation on behalf Kimmy Strong,” McNett said.
Kimmy Strong presented a check for $1,450 to Sarah McManus of Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding & Horsemanship. Front – Beebe, Tim O’Grady. Back – Kevin Strong, Angie Strong, Kimmy Strong, Sarah McManus, Bonnie McNett, Kay Bolin. (Photo: Provided)
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship in Milford, Ohio improves lives of children and adults impacted by physical and developmental disabilities through equine therapies and activities. They have standard-sized horses and miniature ponies that interact with people from the community. Learn more at: www.ctrhequinetherapy.org.
Whistle Stop Clay Works is located at 119 Harrison Avenue in historic downtown Loveland, Ohio. They have an art gallery and offer classes for adults and children, workshops, and studio rentals. Learn more at: www.whistlestopclayworks.com.
