Project raises thousands for Outlaws sports

The preposterous-sounding plan to build an entire house as a school sports fund-raiser was a success -- a big success.

As a result, Philip and Leslie Jackson, of Oregon City, will be living on Easy Street. That's the Easy Street located in the Tollgate subdivision just west of town.

The Jacksons were the buyers of an Adair home that was constructed under the auspices of a parent group seeking creative new ways to prop up dwindling funds for the Outlaws sports programs at Sisters High School.

Meeting for a celebratory dinner at the Hotel Sisters on Thursday, February 8, parents and school officials announced the completion of the project and distribution of the proceeds.

Cydnie McAllister Harp served as president of a limited liability corporation set up to manage the project.

Prior to the dinner, she presented an oversized ceremonial check for $20,000 to Boyd Keyser, Sisters High School Principal.

The idea for the unusual fund-raiser was originally conceived by parents of Outlaws baseball players; and the bulk of the funds -- $15,000 -- went to baseball programs.

Outlaws baseball coach, Ray Garretson, was a bit overwhelmed and admitted to being somewhat dubious when he first heard of the parents' scheme. Garretson was a big believer last Thursday night, however, when he learned that a major chunk of cash was headed the team's way.

"Now we have a chance to do some wonderful things," he said, with a grin that lit up his whole face.

The parents wanted other Outlaw sports programs to share in the benefits, as well; so, $5,000 also went for refurbishment of the high school's weight training room.

Rand Runco, who coordinates physical education programs at the high school shared Garretson's excitement when he heard of the grant.

"I just didn't believe it," he said. "Is this for real?"

Runco explained that, for years, he's been lucky to have funds for even necessary projects like repairs to the weight room's linoleum floor.

As he gave his thanks to the group, it was obvious that the grant was beyond his wildest expectations.

"To actually have some new equipment," he said, "I hope I'm expressing myself adequately."

The donations, however, didn't stop there.

Part of the evening's discussions centered around the building of yet another house for fund-raising. Construction is already underway at the new site on Plainview Road.

Bill Reed, of Coldwell Banker-Reed Bros. Realty, donated his firm's $3,000 commission on the sale of the new Plainview acreage to Outlaws Football.

Further, Cydnie and Charlie Harp, of Adair Homes, funneled another $4,000 to Outlaws Football, bringing the evening's sports contributions to a total of $27,000.

Adair Homes, Coldwell Banker-Reed Bros. Realty, and Bank of the Cascades all waived their normal fees and commissions to help make the fund-raiser a success.

Larry Schaefer and Richard Harper were also recognized for in-kind contributions of excavation and painting.

"A lot of people contributed to make this a success," said Reed. "The truth of the matter, though, is that there are a couple of people here -- Charlie and Cyd Harp -- who made the whole thing possible.

"They could have done this for their own profit, but they did it for the schools out of the goodness of their hearts," Reed said.

Reed went on to lay out the plan for the new project and announced that demolition of the land's existing structure was to begin the next day.

"We're going to build a similar home out there," he said. "Homes on acreage bring a premium, and the market is strong."

It looks like chapter two in the saga of the Outlaw land barons is about to begin.