By Erika George & Kari McGee, March 1, 2018
Meet the amazing Bernadette. 
We had the good fortune of getting to know Bernadette when we helped her sell her old house and buy a new house in 2014, and we’ve had the privilege of keeping in touch with her as she created a whole new life. And we mean WHOLE. NEW. LIFE. You name it, Bernadette was dealing with change with a capital C!
So when Bernadette called us late last fall, to see if we might chip in to help her start a basketball league for the students at Kelly Elementary School in the Lents neighborhood where she teaches PE, we said HECK YAH!
Bernadette, a former high school varsity basketball coach, 12 year Portland youth basketball coach, and one of the co-founders of Grant Youth Basketball, was in her 2nd year as the PE teacher at Kelly Elementary School, when she noticed an interest in basketball. Now those of you who have kids who love sports, probably take for granted the various basketball program choices we have in many Portland schools and neighborhoods, but this was not the case for Lents. There are few options for the kids in Lents to play on a basketball team so Bernadette posted signs in the gym to gauge interest and there were about fifteen or so names of 3rd-5th grade students who signed up. Bernadette decided that was enough interest to start a Kelly Elementary Basketball League for her students!
Fifteen interested kids quickly grew to seventyfive – eight, nine and ten year-old boys and girls who are participating in the new Kelly League this year, thanks to Bernadette’s intrepid spirit.
Besides developing great basketball skills and love for the sport, there are loads of other benefits to these kids who are participating. One of the best benefits Bernadette has noticed are the many new friendships that are developing among teammates. Players also learn about making a commitment to a team; about working hard and about setting goals. They learn how to win and lose gracefully and how to be a supportive teammate.
Most players in this community have never had the opportunity to play on a team so with our help, Bernadette was able to fundraise over $3,000 to get this program off the ground. Our support, along with a few other wonderful small Portland business owners, allowed the new Kelly League to purchase uniforms for their players, and cover league fees of $400 per team, for 6 teams!
So how are they doing? Take a look and see! Nothing but net, baby, nothing but net…
Erika & Kari
Broker-Esquire | Principal Broker | Seniors Real Estate Specialists | OR
Erika George and Kari McGee are the highly skilled HouseLove PDX team at Living Room Realty in Portland, OR.
As designated Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES®), Kari and Erika help Seniors and their families navigate aging in place, downsizing, multigenerational housing, senior community living options, and probate sales. These exceptional real estate agents will help you prepare for life’s transitions with compassion and expert guidance. Principal Broker Kari McGee is an 11-year Portland Monthly 5-Star Realtor® and has helped clients successfully navigate the evolving Portland real estate market for almost two decades. Realtor® Erika George brings to the table 20 years of experience as an attorney specializing in construction and contracts and has been a full-service real estate broker since 2013. These experienced real estate agents will help you prepare for life’s transitions with a customized plan designed for your specific goals. Erika and Kari's in-depth market knowledge and savvy data analysis will help you make educated, pro-active decisions that will reduce stress and provide better outcomes for your real estate needs. Given our foremost duty as a fiduciary, be assured that your best interests will always be at the very center of every decision we make together. And, as the great-granddaughters (they're cousins!) of a professional baker, don’t be surprised if your real estate transaction with Erika and Kari comes complete with pie, cookies, or the best homemade toffee in the world. We would be honored to help guide you through your changing real estate needs in Portland Oregon. CONTACT Erika George and Kari McGee 503.349.5449 | 971.322.6612 Team@HouseLovePDX.com www.houselovepdx.com- T: 503-349-5449
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503-961-8224