Nine Questions With Sam DiBenedetto
The Coastal Expeditions Foundation’s youngest fundraiser answered some questions about what drives him to protect loggerhead sea turtles

Sam’s infamous lemonade stand!
As Sam’s biggest fans, we wanted to know a little more about him, beyond his interest in sea turtles. Coastal Expeditions Naturalist Abbi Cochran sent a few questions for Sam to answer for us:
How old are you and where are you from?
I am nine years old and I am from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Why do you raise money for Sea Turtles?
I raise money for the sea turtles because they’re cool and I want to protect them.
What inspired you to make your birthday party a fundraising event for Sea Turtles?
When I was four, sea turtles were my favorite animal and I loved seeing the sea turtles- and most of all Caretta!- at the South Carolina Aquarium. I also loved having lemonade stands, so I asked my mom if we could have one for the sea turtles instead of a big birthday party.
When did you start fundraising for Coastal Expeditions Sea Turtle Program?
I started doing my lemonade stand in 2018, and I started including the Coastal Expeditions Foundation in 2020 after my dad told me about all of the nests you help in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.
How much money have you raised for the Coastal Expeditions Foundation Turtle Team since you started?
$6,138.10
Who is your biggest role model?
My whole family: Rosie, Mom, and Dad
What is your favorite species of Sea Turtle?
LOGGERHEAD!
What are your favorite hobbies?
Running cross country, swimming, legos and remote control cars
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A lego designer, an olympic runner, or a sea turtle scientist
