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!

Over the last few years, we’ve had the pleasure to get to know Sam DiBenedetto, a local elementary student with a passion for loggerhead sea turtles.  He’s participated in programs like the Young Naturalist Adventure Camp and Ocean Explorers through our Outdoor School and helped us release turtles in Cape Romain with the South Carolina Aquarium.  And notably, he’s one of our biggest citizen donors to the Coastal Expeditions Foundation, raising over $6,000 for the sea turtle program that we sponsor for the past few years!
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

Sam DiBenedetto presented Capt. Chris Crolley, Chairman of the Coastal Expeditions Foundation, a check for $2,466 to support the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Team in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.