WAITE PARK -- GREAT Theatre is giving the community a standing ovation after stepping up during the final act of their Setting the Stage Campaign.

Mike and Karel Helgeson and Steve and Deb Palmer challenged Central Minnesota to raise $250,000 by the end of 2016, which they would match dollar-for-dollar.

The year-end match resulted in $557,000, blowing past their goal of $500,000.

Executive Artistic Director Dennis Whipple says they had over 300 donors that contributed to GREAT's capital campaign.

With the money raised, GREAT Theatre is now able to construct their Learning Lab Theatre, which they expect to break ground on this Spring.

Whipple says once built the new space will enable more kids to get involved in theatre.

The Helgeson's and Palmer's wish to thank all of their generous donors, who helped in making this dream become reality.

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