Looking for buried treasure in Lewisville might be easier than you think. Treasure Chest Thrift, a hidden gem in the Kroger shopping center at I-35E and 121, holds a galley of gently used clothes, household items, sports equipment, electronics and children’s books and toys. During their quest, shoppers can also help uncover a cure for cystic fibrosis, a degenerative disease of the lungs and digestive system for which there exists no cure.
Owner Bob Kollasch will generously donate to the upcoming North Texas Wine Opener 5 percent of net sales from Treasure Chest’s last quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2011.
Kollasch decided to get involved as a sponsor for this year’s exclusive sold-out April 9th event at Royal Affairs Ballroom, Viva Argentina!, when he reconnected with a former coworker Christine, who has a child with cystic fibrosis. Flower Mound residents Brett and Chris Grizzle, owners of Games 2 U, dedicate themselves to fundraising that will make a difference in their child Cooper’s life, and that of other CF families.
Searching for treasure at Treasure Chest Thrift is a “swashbuckling adventure.” The store is very clean and organized, with Kollasch overseeing every detail. The aisles are clear and wide with items sorted and labeled according to the cheerful treasure map painted on the walls.
The staff regularly sorts and stocks donations. “Hundreds of items every single day,” Kollasch says. Wednesdays are the best day to shop for new items.
In addition to low thrift store prices, Treasure Chest offers ongoing weekly sales to savvy treasure hunters, discounts up to 50 percent. Tuesdays are declared “Kids Day,” with all clothing, shoes and toys on sale. On “Wild Wednesdays,” customers get discounted prices on all clothing, shoes, books, jewelry and house wares. Watch for tag sales each week and receive additional discounts at the register.
Unlike the all-volunteer run North Texas Wine Opener, there are no volunteers at Treasure Chest Thrift. All employees are financially compensated, which Kollasch believes makes a difference when it comes to customer service. Manager Brenda Kinney devotes herself to providing customers a positive experience and says she really enjoys helping all the interesting people that shop at Treasure Chest.
“Treasure Chest will find among its patrons this month volunteers and long-time supporters of The North Texas Wine Opener,” says Jill Welke, event co-chair. “We have a whatever-it-takes attitude toward finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and sincerely thank people like Bob Kollasch who help us raise critical funds to support research and raise awareness.”
The North Texas Wine Opener has been going strong since 2004, raising over $1.1 million net for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which devotes over 90 cents of every dollar for research and patient care.
“Treasure Chest gives our community two reasons to hunt for buried treasure—$3 designer jeans and an easy way to support CF families and the North Texas Wine Opener,” Welke adds.
To purchase a table at the North Texas Wine Opener or information on sponsorship opportunities, call the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northeast Texas at 214-871-2222 or visit www.cfwineopener.org. This event is open to the community; however, general seating tickets are sold out for the April 9, 2011 gala at Royal Affairs Ballroom.
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