WAUPUN - The Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and members met at Bargains Galore, 810 West Main St., April 16 to cut the ribbon for the grand opening ceremony. Bargains Galore completed a three-part remodeling project this week and opened for the public on April 16. Pictured from left in front are John Karsten of Karsten Realty, Judy Huitmann of Dollar General, Nancy Vanderkin of Tony's Pizza, Brenda Hofman of Bargains Galore, Melissa Wierenga of Bargains Galore, Pete Montsma volunteer of Bargains Galore, Marge DeMaa of Gateway Apartments and Nikki Beder of Edward Jones. From back left are Pete VanderWerff of Westra, Tillema and O'Connor, Matt Syens of Markesan State Bank, Waupun City Administrator Gary Rogers, Jon Clark of Markesan State Bank, Luke Smet of Radio Plus, Dylan Weber of Fox Computer and Networking, City of Waupun Administrative Assistant Michelle Kast and Brett Sterk of SIA Insurance.

Bargains Galore completes remodel project

By DENA HARRIS

Staff Reporter

WAUPUN — About 30 customers waited patiently outside Bargains Galore Thrift Store before the doors opened at 10 a.m. April 16. After being closed for about a month while the final phase of construction was completed, many were curious to see the final product and get some good deals.

The three-phrase remodel project, called Project Renovate, started April 18 and was complete April 15. During the first phase the warehouse on the west end of the building was transformed into the donation center with sorting, tagging and storage sections. The second phase was when the woodshed storage area was revamped to become the main sales floor. The final stage was the remodeling of the middle section to bring the entire sales floor together.

"I'm humbled by the amount of service given by the community," Mark Buteyn, superintendent of Central Wisconsin Christian School, said.

All of the labor was done by volunteers and the project was completed under budget. The budget was about $550,000. Parents in Action donated $4,000 and another $18,000 came from individual donations throughout the community. Many companies helped the project by donating labor, equipment or materials or offering favorable pricing.

"If it wasn't for all of these guys helping me, it wouldn't have been possible," project superintendent Pete Montsma said.

On April 15 an appreciation dinner was held for the project and store volunteers. About 200 people attended to eat, talk, tour the remodeled store and share memories of the old store and the transition period.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held April 16 at Bargains Galore. All of the 270 CWC students attended to celebrate the grand opening of the thrift store.

Bargains Galore Thrift Store is a fundraiser for the CWC School. The proceeds benefit the schools. Donations are accepted when the store is open: Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.