For 50 years, Camp Courageous has been an outstanding year-round recreational and respite care facility near Monticello. I know. I grew up in Monticello, and helped at, and attended many things at Camp Courageous over the years. In fact, my homecoming dances usually took place in their lodge and one of my favorite things to do was volunteer for the annual haunted trail. They have been serving Iowans with disabilities and special needs for as long as I remember, and continue to do so in the most unique and wonderful ways.

Credit: Camp Courageous
Credit: Camp Courageous
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For those of you that don’t know, Camp Courageous was founded in 1972 when 40 acres of land was donated for the purpose of establishing a camp for people with special needs. In 1973, five buildings were built with donated labor and materials. Finally, the first campers attended during the summer of 1974, with a total of 211. Today, Camp Courageous has grown with the help of great volunteers, donations, and grants. The area now consists of nearly 400 acres of land and 33 buildings. It also serves nearly 10,000 individuals with special needs on a yearly basis.

Tomorrow night (8/19), Camp Courageous celebrates 50 years with its annual Dottie and Tait Cummins Memorial Pineapple Gala. It's the largest fundraiser for Camp Courageous every year. This year's event will be held at the Double Tree Convention Center in Cedar Rapids.

Credit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps
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Voice of the Hawkeyes, Gary Dolphin, will be just one of your featured emcees for the evening. Longtime Camp supporters and volunteers, Georgia and Bud Johnson, will be honored for their many years of dedication to Camp Courageous. The Gala provides a fun evening of connection and fellowship for the Camp’s terrific supporters, all in support of a great cause! All proceeds go to benefit the thousands of individuals with special needs that the Camp serves each year, and every dollar makes a difference. Please join Camp in celebrating this historic tradition!

attachment-Pineapple Gala – Camp Courageous
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The Pineapple Gala auctions will be online through the Givi app. Attendees will use their iOS or Android devices to place bids through Givi. Outbid notifications, watch lists, and faster checkout are just a few of the many features of using Givi. For details about how to use the Givi app while at the Gala please watch this short video.

If you'd like to get involved with Camp Courageous or the Gala itself, please email CEO Charlie Becker here cbecker@campcourageous.org or by calling 319-465-5916 ext. 2100.

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