The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

There's word on the street of a new Sisters Outlaws sports fund-raiser that's as big as a house.

Actually, it is a house.

Outlaws boosters have formed a limited liability corporation established to purchase land, then build and sell a house. Not your typical high school sports fund-raiser.

"It was just sort of a brainstorm that popped out when we were talking to parents about fundraising," said Outlaws baseball coach Brian Stevens. "One of our parents works with Adair Homes and sort of volunteered."

"We can do it. We've done that sort of thing before," baseball parent Cydnie McAllister Harp blurted out at a parents' meeting.

Her impulsive enthusiasm landed her an unexpected position as president of the corporation.

The project was conceived for the needs of the baseball program, but the parents thought other sports should be able to benefit, as well.

"With major cuts to all the sports programs, we thought it only fair that additional sports should be included," Harp explained.

While it might seem a little unusual for a booster club to go into the real estate business, it appears that all the necessary resources are in place.

"Bill Reed, of Coldwell Banker, has been incredibly helpful," Harp said.

Reed is among those who are volunteering their time and skills to give Outlaws sports programs a needed boost.

Coldwell Banker-Reed Bros. Realty, Adair Homes and Bank of the Cascades are all waiving fees and donating services to help make the unusual project a success.

Larry Schaefer will do the excavating at a reduced rate, and others have pledged to help in such areas as painting, cleaning, landscaping, and appraising.

Harp says the completed 1,920 square-foot, four-bedroom home will be offered at $189,000, which is below the appraised value.

So, where exactly is this house?

Well, if you've ever dreamed of "living on Easy Street," this is your chance.

The property is located on Easy St., in the Tollgate subdivision.

The half-acre lot is now in the process of closing.

Mark Beardsley represents Bank of the Cascades, an active supporter of school programs in Sisters.

"Educating our kids is the most important thing we can do as a community," said Beardsley, who downplayed his own role. "It's just another example of the citizens of Sisters picking up the ball where the state has dropped it."

The wheels are in motion, and construction is scheduled to be completed this summer.

The new home will share its location with native ponderosa pines in a community of established comparable homes.

Coach Stevens is a little stunned by the potential of the project.

"It's still all a blur to me," he said. "I inherited this baseball program with a big debt, and this might get us out of it."

For more information contact Bill Reed of Coldwell Banker-Reed Bros. Realty at 549-6000.