Limited-edition Rookwood tiles support OTRCH mission

Over-the-Rhine Community Housing (OTRCH) is offering a limited-edition Rookwood art tile as part of the organization’s fundraising initiative.

Only 200 tiles were produced, and over half of the $150 tiles have been sold.

Sarah Allan, project manager for OTRCH, says they originally came up with the fundraising idea last year.

"This type of fundraising activity is new for us," she says.  "We typically don't offer a product, but with Rookwood moving to OTR in the near future, we thought it would be appropriate to collaborate with them."

Designed by nationally-known local artist Terri Kern, the 8-by-8 tile tells the story of how OTRCH impacts the community one person at a time.

Each image represents a characteristic or philosophy of the organization, including diversity, compassion, and commitment.

"Rookwood gave us a very good deal to produce the tiles and we were privileged to have Terri Kern as the artist of the tile," Allan says.  "And we thought that it would be an incentive for donors to give a little more if they got something in return."

The tiles, which are tax-deductible, can be purchased in Over-the-Rhine at Park + Vine, MiCA 12/v, and Urban Eden; at Indigenous in O'Bryonville, or through the OTRCH website.

"This type of fundraising is important for our bottom line because it is unrestricted funding, which means we can use it to fill gaps in our budget where there isn’t funding readily available," Allan says.  "For example, helping to write down the cost of a home so that it can be affordable to a first time low-income buyer, or helping to add air conditioning to an old five-story building that houses elderly folks."

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Sarah Allan, project manager, Over-the-Rhine Community Housing