As the Camp Courageous Manchester Garage Sale prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2026, Camp Courageous is deeply saddened with the passing of Connie Norby, 94, of Dubuque, IA.  Connie gave Camp Courageous the opportunity to grow, like never before.  With her husband, Loren, they donated in 1994 a building located at 913 East Main Street in Manchester, IA (the old Creamery) as a permeant location for the Manchester Garage Sale.  The Camp Courageous Manchester Garage Sale started in 1976 and had constantly moved from location to location before this gift.  Camp thought that was going to be their forever home, but after Norby Farm Fleet built a new store on the west side of Manchester, in 2018, Connie once again gave the Camp a major life changing gift – their former store at 1121 East Main. These two donations were pivotal to the future growth of Camp Courageous.  Connie had the opportunity to witness, firsthand, the heartwarming good that came from watching the incredible dedication of 100+ volunteers who ran the MGS, who wanted to bring joy and happiness into the lives of nearly 10,000 campers of all ages with disabilities at Camp Courageous.  She was impressed with the thousands of donors who gave items to be sold, and the thousands who purchased those items. What an incredible legacy Connie leaves at Camp Courageous.  Camp’s sympathy goes out to Connie’s family and friends.

Connie Norby & Family donated their former business building to Camp Courageous in 2018.  The Open House & Dedication in 2019 was attended by many including (L-R) MGS Committee Chair, Yvonne Brandt; Connie & Loren Norby’s Daughter, Paula Norby; Connie Norby; and MGS Co-Chair Madeline Borrott.