Awesome dude! Let us know how it goes. BTW, crappy PetCo has a 1 gal with pump, hood, etc for $15, thats where I got my mini tank, but got the fish from lfs.
I had the same experience. I was in Wal-Mart and I walked by their horrible little fish section and this beautiful red and blue betta was swimming in a tiny little betta bowl that wasnt even half the way filled up and dirty. Despite his horrible environment he was still very active so I had to take him home and save him from the nasty conditions. He is doing great now in his 2.5 gallon tank. And his colors have only gotten better since then.