Nine Questions with Sam DiBenedetto
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.
St. Phillips Island & Beaufort Rentals
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Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
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Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals
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Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
Outpost Location
Need A Guide?
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.
Isle of Palms Rentals
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Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
Outpost Location
Need A Guide?
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our Isle of Palms tours.